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Before You Begin to Build
At 1:16 scale, it is easy to build this Fokker Eindecker E-IV model and obtain precise detail. Laser cut
parts offer a simple building method. Britannia (white metal) parts eliminate creating metal parts from
scratch. However; some metal fittings will need to be formed using brass tube for authentic detailing.
Before starting to assemble the model, carefully examine the kit and study the Plan Sheets and the
Assembly Instruction Manual. First, determine if all the listed kit parts are present using the Plan
Parts Layout Sheet; Materials List and Assembly Instructions. Handling the parts will provide a
better understanding of the kit's building requirements. Try to visualize how every part will look on the
completed model. Also, try to follow the building sequence and what must be completed first, or ahead
of time and what can be done simultaneously if you wish. For example, you may want to skip to the
Propeller as you are working on the Fuselage waiting for glued assemblies to set or paint to dry.
The Plans: Four (4) Plan Sheets are provided for reference and part identification and may not be
exactly true to scale due to the reproduction process. These drawings show elevation views, a parts
layout with color guide and laser cut layout sheets. Review and study the plans and assembly
instructions prior to starting the build to better understand how the parts will come together and the
proper build sequence.
Make Allowances: Try to be exact when following the instructions, but use common sense.
Adjustments may be necessary to compensate for small differences in how your model is shaping up
and how the parts are relating to each other. An old saying in the model building craft is that "if it looks
right, it is right." Also check the instruction photographs for various details before working on them.
Kit Lumber: Laser cut Plywood and Basswood parts are supplied in the kit. A word about laser cutting:
a common misconception is that the parts should punch out of the carrier sheet. This is not so. Laser
cut parts are retained in the carrier sheet by small bridges of uncut wood called tabs. Tabs can be
oriented parallel to the wood grain or perpendicular to the wood grain. It is always better to cut through
these tabs rather than try to punch out the parts by breaking the tabs. You may have to cut through not
only the tabs but portions of the part outline that did not cut completely through the sheet. Turn the
carrier sheet over and cut from the backside to release the part without damage. Care must be taken
when cutting out parts due to the thickness of plywood which in some cases is very thin to maintain
proper scale.
Laser cut parts: There are plywood laser cut parts and laser cutting burns through the plywood leaving
charred surfaces. The charred surface sometimes does not make good strong glue joints. It is
recommended to sand or scrape away the loose char before gluing. It is not necessary to remove all
the char, unless a finished wood surface is required. In some cases simply scraping with the back edge
of a # 11 blade is sufficient. The use of a small sanding drum in a rotary tool with a light touch would
work best on the thicker plywood edges.
Britannia Metal Parts: There are many Britannia (white metal) parts in this kit. First, remove any mold
joint flash with a #11 hobby blade using the back edge as a scraper, then file or sand with fine sanding
stick or sandpaper. Important: Always dry fit parts together first to determine if holes need to be
drilled further or if mating surfaces are flat to each other. Once parts have been dry fitted wash
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