SRAM 1/144
Albatros D.I, Pfalz D.VIII
& R.A.F. SE5a

by Bob Pearson

Introduction

SRAM has been making itself known in the WWI model community for its line of 1/144 scale aircraft. I reviewed a number of these kits a year or so again and at the time I was impressed with the scope of kits offered and also with the quality of these little gems. Well, they have done it again with the release of these three.

The kits

Cast in tan resin, these kits only comprise a few pieces with wire for the struts. Basic components consist of wings, fuselage, cowl, engine, guns, and the occasional figure. The only instructions are three view drawings.

The fuselages are in one piece with separate cowls (where needed), there are cockpit openings, but no interior details. The wings have engraved ribs, which aren't correct, but at this size it is hard to tell that they aren't raised. A coat of paint should add to the illusion.

Decals were done by Lubos Vinar and provide the markings seen on each boxtop with the exception of the Pfalz D.VII .... which leads to the only problem I have with this series of models.

When they were first released they used artwork on the boxtops from all sorts of sources. .. including me. . and none of this was authorized. A year ago many of use contacted the owner and asked him to redress this problem. Despite promising to do so, to date nothing has been forthcoming from him. Well the D.VIII is another of my illustrations but SRAM changed the fuselage marking from the one I did to a generic cross, however the marking options in the kits are both that have only appeared in my work. While I immensely admire the skill and quality of these ktis, I am also annoyed at my work making money for others with no compensation or acknowledgement to those whose work was used.

I must stress I am not for a boycott of these kits. That would just hurt the retailers that are selling these kits, instead I would ask that people send an email to SRAM and ask them to deal fairly with the artists whose work they are using.

Conclusion

My thanks to Lubos Vinar of Hobbyshop.cz for the review samples.