Another Fokker D.XXI
As the custom decals I ordered arrived I was able to complete several unfinished models and this is the second one of them. The model was inspired by Spiros' (@fiveten) superb PM models Fokker D.XXI last year. It's a plane that has a rather unique charm but I wanted to get the MPM version (now frequently reissued by Special Hobby/Azur) which is, according to Dutch sources, the best representation available in 1/72. Recently, Special Hobby reissued this in an 'Against Messerchmitts' boxing which included Dutch neutrality markings and added 3D printed parts. As I wanted to do a pre-war scheme decals needed to be sourced from elsewhere but more of that later.
History
The general history of the D.XXI was comprehensively covered in Spiros post so I'll confine myself to the history of the specific aircraft I chose to model. I wanted to build the first production D.XXI - serial no. 212 which entered service on 12th August 1938 and was allocated to the 1st JaVA of the Second Air Regiment based at Ypenburg, The Hague. Like all D.XXIs it wasn't equipped with a radio though this was later added before the war (one of only three radio equipped D.XXIs). With the German invasion the 1st JaVA was scrambled at 03.46 but due to a misunderstanding 212 landed almost immediately. It took off again at 03.51 but due to a lack of fuel it had to land at Schipol. Taking off again it was actively engaged in combat, shooting down a Do.17 near Kagerplassen. 212 later force landed at Schipol with a broken engine and stopped propeller. It was rapidly repaired and reallocated to 2nd JaVA moving to Buiksloot in the afternoon. On 12th and 13th May 212 escorted bombing raids. After landing at Schipol following a patrol towards Utrecht on May 14th, 212 was sabotaged by the Dutch. The D.XXIs themselves were surprisingly effective fighters (given their fixed undercarriage) possessing a higher rate of climb and more manoeuverability than the BF.10s and Bf.110s of the Luftwaffe but there were only 36 of them. They were overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers.
Sources
Dutch sources are very comprehensive and detailed. A good general history and lots of detail can be found on the Wilko Jonkers website and specific aircraft histories are available on the B. Hummel website (linked to on the Jonkers website). Watch out for the colour profiles on the Jonkers website though - the Dutch roundels are incorrect - the colour segment positioning was exactly the same - not the Czech style pattern as shown in the profiles. An excellent source of high quality photos is the BeeldBank NIMH website which has very useful and clear photos of the aircraft. Make sure that when you enter your search you use Arabic numerals though (i.e. D.21).
Decals
Onto the decals - these ended up being a mixture. The kit decals represent aircraft with the orange triangle neutrality markings. If one wants to model an aircraft with the earlier roundels one needs to source decals from elsewhere. Print Scale do a sheet which includes these markings but the wing roundels are too big by far. It's a basic error which shouldn't have happened especially as the correct roundel dimensions are easily locatable on the web (IPMS Netherlands). The fuselage serial number strokes are too thin and one needs to use the kit examples (212 is easily creatable from the provided examples). Where the Print Scale decals do score is that the stencils and Fokker D.XXI logo are legible whilst Special Hobby decals are Eduard style - just lines of white. For the national markings I used the Print Scale fuselage roundels (the red isn't dark enough but never mind) but painted the fin flash and commissioned correctly sized wing roundels from LM Decals.
The Model
This is a lovely little model - it's a nice looking aircraft and MPM captured the lines very well. It's not surprising that it's reissued but there are still improvements. It's multi-media so one needs to be a bit experienced. This is not a beginners model. One gets a resin cockpit, 3D printed propeller boss, pilot's seat , instrument panel and rear bulkhead assembly. There's also a nice etched brass sheet with one Special Hobby brainfart. They've included a part to make an open canopy which requires careful bending and cutting a section out of the clear molded canopy. This is practically guaranteed to fail as Special Hobby canopies are ultra brittle and replacement Fokker D.XXI canopies are not exactly freely available. To their credit, they do indicate in the instructions that this operation is for 'experienced modellers' but even they would balk at the conversion. The elevator actuators have not been included - I used some redundant pieces from the AZ Gauntlet - these could have replaced the canopy part especially as they were an essential feature of the D.XXI.
Building the model
This model builds very easily and quickly. One can choose to improve it though and add detail. The area most in need of improvment is the front, I added panel lines, the rectangular carburetor exhaust and the bulge on the front fuselage. I also replaced the rather basic kit engine with an SBS Mercury engine. This is a kit in itself but careful study of photos is needed to get the oil cooler pipes (0.7 mm Albion tube) and engine bearers (0.3 mm brass rod) correct. Also added were the various outlet pipes on the underside and the wheel spat inspection openings. The gun barrels were replaced with Master barrels which do make a difference. I extended the cockpit framing one section to the rear (it is visible through the canopy) and removed the radio tray from the rear fuselage framing. Only 3 aircraft ever carried radios (which were added just before the war), 212, 217 and 221. For early aircraft the tray was not fitted. Colours were based on the details in the Emma's planes website - which contains Tamiya equivalents to the Dutch official colours. The whole model was gloss varnished to attain a just entered surface finish and navigation lights and position lights came from Krystal Klear blobs. The final addition were the tailplane bracing wires which are doubled. I used 0.2 mm brass rod for these, joined together first then attached to the model.
Conclusion
A fun build of an accurate and well conceived kit with plenty of detail to keep one occupied and the enticing challenge of more to add. The research was fun and the build smooth. One can really go to town (as I did) or one can build quite a creditable replica out of the box. The extra effort to get the decals right is important though - they do make all the difference.
Nice Fokker!
Many, many thanks John!
Really nice result on this Fokker, Christopher @christopher
Recently this aircraft has been made airworthy in the Netherlands.
Thanks very much John (@johnb). Yes - I had seen the photos and videos of the newly airworthy D.XXI.
What a beautiful D.XXI, Christopher! As every of your subjects, thoroughly researched and beautifully built. The accompanying article was equally fantastic! Feeling honoured that my build inspired you.
Hi Spiros
Your work is indeed an inspiration. Thanks ever so much for your very kind and generous comments.
A nice little build! That is a nice scheme.
Thanks ever so much Greg!