Airfix 1/72 Fokker E.II Eindecker, previewed by Spiros Pendedekas

The Fokker Eindecker was one of the most significant fighter aircraft of the First World War. Designed by the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker and introduced in 1915, it became the first production fighter to combine a forward-firing machine gun with a synchronized firing gear, allowing the pilot to fire through the propeller arc without damaging the blades. This revolutionary innovation gave German pilots a decisive advantage during the period known as the "Fokker Scourge."

Although simple in appearance, with its wire-braced monoplane wing and lightweight steel-tube fuselage, the Eindecker proved highly effective in the hands of skilled pilots such as Max Immelmann and Oswald Boelcke. However, rapid advances in aircraft design soon made it obsolete, and by early 1917 it had largely been replaced by more capable biplane fighters. Nevertheless, the Fokker Eindecker remains one of the most iconic aircraft of the Great War, marking the beginning of the modern era of aerial combat.

THE KIT

Airfix introduced its new-tool Fokker Eindecker in 2016. It was also released as part of a Dogfight Doubles boxing together with the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c. Two years later, the kit was reissued as the E.III variant, before returning in 2025 as the original version.

The specific kit is the 2025 reissue, generously donated, along with another good 15 kits, by one of the hobby shops that regularly support my club's plastic modelling seminars for youngsters, providing kits, paints and other essential materials to help introduce new generations to the hobby.

The kit comes in a small, good quality but side-opening box, featuring a dramatic boxart by aviation artist Adam Tooby, depicting Leutnant Kurt Alexander Otto Feodor Freiherr von Crailsheim's Fokker Eindecker in the midst of what appears to be a fierce aerial battle.

Upon opening the box, I was greeted by 33 dark grey styrene parts, neatly arranged on two sprues. Not all of the parts are required, as the sprues also include components specific to the E.III version. Molding is nice and crisp, with only a few minor mold separation lines that are easily removed during preparation.

Overall detail is very good without the kit appearing over-engineered, while the fabric effect is subtle and convincing. One point worth mentioning is that the floor section is molded together with the tail planes and their mounting points. These attachment points are quite delicate, so extra care is required during construction and handling to avoid accidental damage.

The cockpit is nicely represented, with a well-shaped seat, a good looking control column and equally convincing sidewall tubing representation. The rotary engine is reasonably detailed and is designed to rotate together with the propeller, adding a simple but effective working feature.

The distinctive Fokker Eindecker landing gear is also well represented, with adequate structural detail and realistically rendered wheels. A good looking pilot figure is included, and installing him in the cockpit is a good option, as he helps fill what would otherwise be a rather open-looking interior.

Instructions are well done, presented in a double-sided six-page booklet. They include a brief history of the type, with the construction spread in 19 clear and concise steps. A comprehensive rigging diagram is also provided for those wishing to add this characteristic feature of the original aircraft.

Only one, but attractive marking option is provided, depicting Leutnant Crailsheim's machine. Colour references are given in Humbrol codes as well as in generic form. The decals, as in every “new Airfix” offering, are very nicely printed, with good colour density, sharp detail, and they should perform beautifully during application.

The instructions call for the cockpit to be assembled on top of the floor section first, before the completed assembly is fitted between the fuselage halves. The engine is then attached to the fuselage, followed by the cowling and the surrounding cover plates. The machine gun mounted on top of the fuselage is added next, although it would be advisable to leave it off until after painting to avoid damage during handling.

The landing gear assembly follows and requires some care, as the parts are rather delicate and need to be positioned accurately. The two side steps are then attached to the fuselage sides, followed by the correct propeller for the kit version. Finally, the pilot figure can be added, completing a straightforward and enjoyable construction process.

For those seeking a higher level of realism and feeling confident enough to take on the challenge, a full rigging diagram is provided. The kit includes some useful pre-molded indentations on the relevant surfaces, helping the modeller to accurately add the rigging wires and enhance the overall appearance of the finished model.

The Fokker Eindecker is a relatively popular subject among kit manufacturers, and several companies have produced their own 1/72 interpretations of this iconic aircraft. Airfix's offering is currently one of the most modern toolings available and provides an excellent balance between detail, accuracy and ease of construction.

The kit features very good detail, crisp molding, excellent decals and a straightforward assembly process, while the rigging options can add a great deal to the appearance of the finished model. Compared with more detail-focused offerings such as the Eduard kit, which I have not personally built but appears to offer a similar level of refinement, the Airfix release seems to prioritise accessibility and enjoyable construction, without practically lacking detail-wise.

With its reasonable price, good engineering and attractive subject, this is definitely a kit worth considering and a very enjoyable project for both newcomers and experienced modellers alike.

KIT #:	A01086
PRICE:	10 Euros
DECALS:	One option
REVIEWER:	Spiros Pendedekas
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