Roden 1/72nd Albatros D.V/Va By Matt Bittner

I refer you to any other review of any other Albatros kit for a history of the Albatros D.V/Va. It was a type in widespread use with the Germans during WW1 and can be considered an important type.

The Kit

The Roden version of the Albatros D.V/Va consists of 51 parts, of which 41 are actually used on the D.V/Va. I'm still grateful to Roden for inserting into their Albatros kits the extra Parabellum guns, which can be used on German two-seaters (and I'm also hoping that Roden ventures into the German - and French, for that matter -two-seater market). There are decals for six schemes: Goering's from Jasta 27; Richthofen's 1177/17 mostly-red machine from Jasta 11; Schlieff's all-blue machine from Jasta 56; von Althaus' 1119/17 from Jasta 10; von Dostler's 1060/17 from Jasta 6; and Mai's 'dog bone' from Jasta 5. There are no lozenge decals provided.

There is some familiar ground between the D.V/Va and the earlier Roden Albatrosse. However, the sprue containing the fuselage and parts is entirely new, since most of these parts would be different than the earlier Albatrosse. Options in the kit include a separate headrest and two different propellers. Unfortunately the finish of my kit is a little 'grainy' and could probably use some light sanding to remove. I'm not sure if this is just the example I was sent, or is indicative of the entire run. I'm hoping it's just my kit.

Construction starts with the engine - that is, construction starts with the awesome engine that Roden provides. This in itself is its own model and with care, patience and the proper wash and dry brushing, will come to life. From here, the cockpit is started. While the control column looks decent, there are some parts that could stand some addition. Take a look at the image of Shane Weiers control column he built for the Eduard kit. This should give you some idea of what it should look like. Roden has the general shape of the control column correct, just doesn't provide some of the support structure.

Once the cockpit is finished and the engine installed, then the fuselage halves are assembled and lower wings added, along with the separate, lower-wing center section. The horizontal tail is also now added.

Now the upper wing is assembled from the three pieces, along with the extra piece on the radiator. Care and patience could result in a very nice fit, with little to no seam removal.

This is the time the model is painted and - if applicable - lozenge decals applied. Then the upper wing, struts and engine plumbing installed, along with the landing gear, and you have a finished Albatros D.V/Va.

Conclusion

The Roden Albatros D.V/Va is a decent kit and is definitely buildable. When compared to the Eduard kit, the Roden isnít as refined, but youíll also spend a lot less for a Roden than an Eduard.

My thanks to Roden for the review kit.