HR Models 1/48 Resin Fokker Eindeckers: M5K, M5L, E.I, E.II By Bob Pearson

Introduction

The Fokker Eindecker was the first 'modern' fighter aircraft; ie: one in which it was armed with a forward firing machine gun, however it was as an unarmed scout that the design first made its name.

The first of the Eindeckers was produced in two versions: one with a short (kurz) wing,the M5K; and a long winged version, the M5L (lang). The M5K was originally fitted with a square rudder, but this was soon changed to the familar comma shaped rudder that was to be a hallmark of all Fokker designs up to the Fokker D.VII. These early Eindeckers were meant to be flown as single seaters, but the cockpit was of sufficient length that a second seat was occasioinally added to the rear of the pilot.

Once the synchronized gun was developed, the Eindecker was one of the first aircraft to be so equipped, with the E.I being basically an armed M.5K with the only external differences being a shortened cockpit opening and a revised shape to the flank panels behind the cowl. The E.II was similar to the E.I, but with longer wings.

HR Models have now produced a series of kits of the various Eindecker variants. Most of which can be built from any of the kits.

The Kit(s)

Upon preparing the kits for scanning I did some comparison and found that almost all the parts are common to all four. The only differences being the wings and/or fuselage. Otherwise they are identical.

There are two wafers of all the common parts: engine, both types of flank panels, both types of rudder, two seats, four wheels, struts, Spandau, control column, tail surfaces.

The fuselage(s) have interior detail molded in place. This can either be painted and used as is, or removed and replaced with a scratchbuilt interior - especially as there is so much of the interior visible.

Wings are basically the same, except for the addition of the extra rib on the M5L and E.II. All flying surfaces are reasonably thin, and will just need a little thinning of the ribs.

Decals are provided for eight aircraft - including the Pfalz E.III !!!!!!! There is also a small fret of PE for a control panel, seatbelts and Spandau jackets.

Conclusion

For anyone wanting to build a complete collection of Fokker designs, they will be a good addition. As is common with HR kits, some work will be needed to correct some of the details, but they are a decent starting point.

My thanks to Hobbyshop.cz for the review samples