I spent a few enjoyable months building the Eindecker model and should you decide to tackle the kit, here are some observations you may find interesting. The first thing you notice about this excellent kit is the exceptional number of metal parts – a total of 111 different Britannia cast metal parts, plus other brass bolts, nuts, and tubing, in addition to the laser-cut wood and other materials. The builder needs to identify all the Britannia metal parts to know where they go, and this is not always straightforward using only the relatively small photos in the instruction manual and the “Assembled Views” plan sheets. This is where the Parts List comes in – be sure to keep it handy because it’s the one reference that provides the name and associated part number for each part. Using the Parts List, you can find the part number for each part named in the instruction manual, and then find that part number on the “Parts Layout & Color Guide” plan sheet to see exactly what it looks like.
The instruction manual is excellent and should be followed meticulously. Previous experience with this type of construction is a plus – this kit will be a challenge for a beginner, although not out of reach. I’m experienced, but not a youngster and my magnifying lamp was indispensable for assembly and careful positioning of small parts.
One feature I discovered is that while all the large Britannia metal parts are delicate, the elevator assembly is especially so, and is prone to deformation if even lightly bumped. Once bent, the elevator spar is vulnerable to breaking, and if this happens it would be difficult to repair. I strengthened the assembly by gluing a 6” length of 1/32” brass rod to the front of the elevator spar, inside the ribs, before installing the assembly on the fuselage. This provides resistance to bending and if you use epoxy to smooth the gap where the rod lies against the spar, is hardly noticeable in the painted model.
Building the wings involves assembling very finely laser-cut ribs that on the first inspection look too fragile. However, the wing parts assemble beautifully, and the finished wings are strong. The instruction manual specifies painting them Deck House Light Buff but consider it builder’s choice. You can leave the wood unfinished, but it would be very difficult to remove all laser char inside the ribs.
The engine and propeller constitute a separate project in themselves (and in fact Model Expo sells the Oberursel UR III engine as its own kit). Proceed carefully and exactly as instructed, and your finished model will be your latest pride and joy.
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