Pheon Models 1/72 Fokker Dr.Is of Jagdgeschwader Nr II
By Matt Bittner
When Americal/Gryphon closed up shop a few years ago, WWI modelers were lamenting they would have no new decal sheets for their era of modeling. Since there aren't a lot of aftermarket decal providers catering to the WWI crowd, the cries were heard.
However, we now have a saviour in Pheon Models. Their first release was for Sopwith Pups in 1/48 and 1/72 - we took a look at their 1/48 sheet not too long after it was released. WWI modeler's rejoiced! Finally, someone came along and filled the void that was left when Americal/Gryphon closed shop.
One thing to keep in mind before I proceed. Some people are complaining about the cost of the decals. With shipping mine came in around US$24, definitely not the least expensive decals on the market. However, in light of everything they actually don't cost that much. When was the last time you bought a ten-dollar set of decals (actually, at that cost they might not exist anymore) that contained full color information about each and every scheme? In addition, what ten-dollar decal sheet out there caters to thirty different aircraft? While there are only national markings to cover only six machines, the rest of the decals are there for the other 24, you'll just have to find separate crosses. Not a big deal.
Plus, when you look at the quality of these decals and just how vivid the colors are, and that they're all in register, I feel the decals are worth US$24 - and probably more. While I won't personally buy all decals they release (their second sheet catered only to larger-scale SPADs) I will purchase the decals that cater to my interests. While I primarily build French WWI machines, German ones are of slight interest as well. Hence picking up these decals.
As I mentioned this release covers thirty different aircraft. Thirty!! You'll be building 1/72 Fokker Triplanes for quite some time if you plan on using every scheme within this package. Granted, there is one 1/72 builder I can think of that will definitely build at least that many, if not more... But I digress...
Not only are the decals of high-quality, but so is the rest of the package. The instructions are complete in every way, and each machine has at least the port side provided as a profile, in color! Also, most aircraft also have a top color profile as well. Then there are the extra inserts that contain newer information after the main package was developed.
So, I have no qualms what so ever in picking up this decal package, at any cost. Not only is it available in 1/72, but the same markings are also provided for in the 1/48 release. While there is also a 1/32 release, that package contains only sixteen aircraft. Still, plenty of options for the Roden kit.
If you have any interest in WWI aircraft, especially Fokker Dr.Is, then this sheet is a must. You definitely want to buy it now, before it sells out. Sales have been relatively brisk (at least in the WWI modeling world) so buy now, or be sad later that you missed out.
The biggest difficulty with this set of decals? Figuring out which Fokker Triplane you want to build...
You can find more information about Pheon Models decals at the BritModeler.com forums.