Lifelike Decals | #32-018: Fokker D.VII Part 3

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner, Jr.

Wingnut Wings has set a new standard in 1/32nd scale WWI aircraft. That is not news to model builders. One of the latest releases is the Fokker D.VII series of aircraft. The only thing this jewel needs is more marking options. Enter Lifelike and their exquisite artwork.

Inside a 6x9 ziplock bag are two single sided A4 instructions. Four brightly colored aircraft are showcased. The decals themselves are on two pages by Microscale. They are in perfect register and opaque. Because they are made by Microscale you know they will react well with all the setting solutions. The smaller sheet is 5 ½ by 5 ½ inches with all the yellow markings produced on that sheet. The larger one is 5 ½ x 8 with the remaining colors and markings included.

The first aircraft is a Fokker built machine from Jasta “Boelcke” in November 1918. It was possibly flown by Ltn. Paul Blunk. What amazes me the most about Lifelike is their research and attention to detail. This aircraft is a perfect example in that they have the engine serial number, as well as, the airplane serial number. Sure the serial number is easy enough but the engine, that is something else. Featuring a four color lozenge pattern with a white tail and nose. The one horizontal stabilizer is black. The area around the cowling is green as are the wheels. The fuselage has the Berlin coat of arms making this a rather attractive aircraft.

The second aircraft is a OAW built aircraft. This is my favorite aircraft on the sheet. It is a typical lozenge upper surface but the fuselage is mostly white with black stripes and a yellow nose, wheels and horizontal tail. The wing support struts were a dark green. The fuselage cross is a grey and not black like is normal. One of the things about Lifelike is that when they don’t know something they give you the best educated guess. In this case the fuselage cross may be yellow or grey. They let you, the modeler, decide.

The much sought after D.VIIF with the BMW engine is the subject of the third aircraft. Flown by Jasta 11 by Vizefeldwebel Willy Gabriel in late June 1918. Blue and Yellow striped tail is quite striking. If that isn’t enough color for you there is a yellow stripe down the fuselage to the red cowling and support struts. The wing crosses look to me to be the same style of WWII Luftwaffe with larger black portions than is normal. This is a colorful aircraft.

The last aircraft is pretty plain but the artwork on the side of the fuselage is ‘interesting’. An OAW built aircraft flying for Jasta 19 would be eye catching on any modeling table. The fuselage is predominately blue with a yellow nose, but like I said it is more about the artwork. On the side of the fuselage, which is devoid of national markings, is a ‘Fat Boy on a Flying Carpet’. It is a huge cartoon looking figure. The struts are painted white which will set off the blue fuselage.

Researched by Lifelike, really colorful subjects, printed by Microscale for models designed by Wingnut Wings, what a perfect combination. There are plenty of choices. The choice may be not be which one to do but how can you afford more Wingnut Wings models to use these decals on.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Lifelike for the review copy. You can only get them from them directly at http://www16.ocn.ne.jp/~lifelike/. Let them know you read about it here.

After writing this review Lifelike contacted me to inform me that new information had come to light about Vzfw. Gabriel’s aircraft. It appears that the stripe was orange and not yellow as provided and that the number was slightly smaller than provided so they would be sending replacement decals to me and anyone else who purchased the decals. FREE of charge. Just contact them at lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp. Do you know of any other company, decal or otherwise, that would do that? These are exceptional decals from an exceptional company. That is someone who takes their product seriously.

Lifelike Decals | #32-018: Fokker D.VII Part 3

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner, Jr.

Related Content