Classic Airframes 1/48 Danish Fokker D.XXI Build Review
By John Valo
| Date of Review | February 2009 | Manufacturer | Classic Airframes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Danish Fokker D.XXI | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 4153 | Primary Media | Styrene, Resin |
| Pros | Nice detailing, relatively simple build | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | Out of Production |
Construction
Classic Airframes' latest is another release of the Fokker D.21, this time with Danish and German markings. As has been described before, the kit features four sprues of very crisply detailed plastic parts, beautifully molded resin parts (most for the engine), a nice bit of photo-etch and an injection-molded canopy. This is the same kit that was released earlier with Dutch subjects, so the only difference is the decal sheet and a small addendum to the instructions showing the subtle differences between the different Danish aircraft.
Decals are printed by Cartograf, and markings are provided for three Danish subjects, two overall Aluminum pattern aircraft and one camouflaged. Alternate markings are included for two fascinating captured subjects wearing German markings.
Although the Danish aircraft are the featured subjects for this release, in order build an accurate model, some minor changes need to be made. The Danish wing was essentially the same as the Finnish wing, with the bulbous landing light on the starboard wing, and neatly faired wingtip navigation lights. This release makes no provision for these features, but making the modifications took very little time at all. My landing light was made from a short piece of dowel stock with a blob of epoxy for the 'lens'. Correct parts are included in the kit for the Danish cowling variation.
If you are building one of the German subjects, no modifications will need to be made, with the possible exception of not installing the wing guns. As these captured aircraft were used as trainers, it is possible that the armament would have been removed.
I used Floquil Old Silver for the finish, with a slightly satin-sheen clear coat after decaling. As this was a presentation/pattern aircraft, I reasoned that weathering would probably be inappropriate, save for a very few areas. I'm still double-checking if the rear face of the propeller blades were painted Flat Black (I think so, but it will only take a few seconds to change this).
Overall, once again I give this kit high marks. As usual, because of the photo-etch and resin parts, it's not for the absolute beginner, but is a nice build for anyone familiar with using those materials.