1:72 Fokker D.VII 4color lozenge

Fokker D.VII, four-color lozenge 1:72 (Eduard)

This is not an aircraft kit but a decal set in 1:72 scale. It deals with one of the most laborious tasks in building First World War aircraft: the printing of the fabric covering in the so-called lozenge, that is a regular pattern of colored polygons. Painting it by hand or masking it is many hours of work with an uncertain result, while decals manage it in a fraction of the time. This item carries the four-color variant of the pattern. The manufacturer is the Czech company Eduard.

The real subject

The Fokker D.VII was a German fighter biplane of the end of the First World War, valued for its calm behavior at low speeds. The covering of its wings and fuselage was commonly made of factory-printed fabric with a lozenge pattern, which served as camouflage. The pattern existed in two main forms, four-color and five-color; the four-color one appeared among others on exactly these Fokker aircraft.

Usage tips

The base under the decals has to be smooth and glossy, otherwise flat patches will appear under the film - so spray the areas with a gloss clear coat and let them dry well. Cut large sheets into smaller pieces so that they can be handled. Use a decal softener, on the ribbing and the leading edges rather the more aggressive kind, and press the film down with a damp brush or a cotton swab. Line the pattern up along the direction of the ribs, not along the edge of the part. Once dry, even the whole out with a flat clear coat and only then add washes and weathering.

Who the set is for

• Builders of First World War aircraft in 1:72 scale
• Modelers who want to avoid painting the lozenge pattern by hand
• Those with experience of decals and softeners - large areas call for patience
• Collectors of Eduard accessories

This is an accessory, not a standalone model. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.