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HR Model 1/72 Resin Fokker B.II Series 03.6

By Bob Pearson

Introduction

Up to 1916, Fokker was the second largest foreign supplier to the Austro-Hungarian Air Service. When the Eindeckers were no longer first-line material, Fokker agreed to provide some newer biplanes. The resulting Fokker B.II (M17) was produced in very limited numbers for the Austro-Hungarian Air Service, only 22 being delivered. None of these were used as frontline fighters, they were all used in the fighter trainer role, and in fact only one aircraft (03.61) was armed for trials. The B.II survived with Fleks 4, 6 and 8 until 1918 as trainers. Although I don't have proof, I would think these roughly correspond to the German Fokker D.II (M17z).. and could possibly be built as such.

The Kit

HR has been producing 1/72 resin models for the last couple of years, however this (and the others reviewed this issue) is the first that I have had my hands on. First thoughts are the kit is nicely done. It consists of 30 resin parts, a small fret of PE and a vinyl (or similar clear material) piece with the instruments and windscreen.

Starting with the fuselage the B.II has basic external detail and no internal structure. The only disappointment I can see is the flank panels behind the cowl. These are molded integral to the fuselage and will require removal and replacement to properly show the open rear of them for exhausting the engine gases. The other option is to use a motor tool to hollow out this area.

The wings are adequate with the usual ribs and riblets requiring light sanding for a true scale appearance – myself, I would just leave them as is on the top and reduce those on the bottom.

The tail surfaces are thick and could stand a swipe on the sanding block. The rest of the parts provided account for struts, seat, floor, engine, propellor and a Spandau machine gun – one more detail pointing to the D.II origins.

The photo-etch fret contains six pieces: instrument panel, prop boss, two foot-steps and two seat belt halves. The clear sheet has a windscreen and the instruments which are to be placed behind the instrument panel.

The decal sheet supplied is also included with the Fokker D.III kit, and has serials for four different B.II aircraft as well as three D.IIIs. Crosses are also included for the standard eight positions.

Instructions consist of a single page of xeroxed photos, a three view drawing and a brief history of the type

Conclusion

All in all this is a welcome addition to anyone's collection of 1/72 WW1 aircraft. Sadly it isn't going to be in mine yet as I have promised this kit to another for a full build article .... sigh. . however I am keeping one of these recent HR kits. .. wait and see which it is .. who knows, I may even build it.

This kit is available from VAMP Mail Order for less than $15 USD.