Quest Pfalz D-IIIa

[Darwin]

Model: Pfalz D. IIIa
Publisher: Quest Nr 11
Designer: Marek Pacynski
Scale: 1:33
Format: Hardcopy
Available from: Hobby Factory

Model depicted in livery of Carl Degelau. Two pages cardstock (A3, I believe). Written instructions in Polish, but sufficiently detailed construction diagrams that just about anyone who has made a couple of simpler card models should be able to successfully perform the build. The parts are printed on good quality card stock. Level of detail good. Detailed water-cooled engine and machine guns. Some cockpit detail, but mostly depicted through 2D artwork rather than built-up 3D. Printing quality is good. No color voids, precise color registration. Draftmanship good even by current digital standards. Artwork good, but more cartoonish in style than photo-realistic....some shading, but no weathering. I particularly liked the woodgrain detail of the propellor. Construction method is butt-jointed segments. Kit is currently available from Hobby Factory for under $5 US. I would not recommend this model to absolute beginners, but it would be a good kit selection for anyone having completed a couple of simple models. Overall grade a B, with a very good value-for-cost rating.

Instructions: B
Paper quality: B
Level of detail: B
Printing quality: B+
Artwork: B
Value for money: A
Skill level: Novice

This model is also available in electronic format from our buddy DeWayne's site, either as download or CD, with price comparable to Hobby Factory's cost when shipping costs are factored in. The CD has both .pdf and .cdr format, is unlocked, and very user-friendly. Instructions are in English, and model is sized for printout on US letter size paper. I don't remember offhand regarding this specific CD, but most of DeWayne's CDs come with little extras on them (such as reference photos, photos of completed model, etc.). I bought both the hardcopy and electronic versions, with no second thought at all regarding the duplication.

 

[Ron]

I can give first hand testament to this kit. The version I have is the one sold by DeWayne which was a downloadable pdf. It was easily opened and modified in Corel draw. The Pfalz mod, available in the parts bin, was made specifically for this kit. The fit was excellent, registration wasn't an issue as I changed the scheme. I'll be doing a few more schemes for this one as it's worth every ounce of effort. I know everyone has seen these but for those who haven't, here they are again. Dar, I have to differ on your ratings. This kit in my humble opinion is best suited for intermediate modelers and if it's full potential is to be reached, for advanced or very resourceful modelers.
It's hard to comment on the all black paint scheme that comes with this kit. as adding detail to black is difficult. On the next round, I'll try to add a bit more detail like shading between the wing spars and a better 3d efffect
around the access panels. More extensive work in the cockpit would also be welcome.

Feel free to yell back

Ron

 

[Darwin]

Thanks for adding the pics. I don't yell...too much, anyway, and usually only at the TV when some talking head makes some totally insipid observation (which is about every other breath during campaign season). Assessing skill level is always pretty subjective, especially when no objective standards exist. For this one, I kinda made up a new category. I agree that a beginner isn't going to sucessfully complete the build. I think of a novice as someone who has pretty well mastered basic building skills and is ready to take on some challenge (take a solo flight, so to speak). If the instructions weren't so nicely done, I would also have rated it intermediate level. The great thing about these kits is that they are good enough quality that the experienced and expert modellers can start piling on details without first having to spend a couple of weeks redrawing the dang thing.

 

[rmks2000]

Ron,

I know your post is a bit old, but I recently bought the Pfalz because of the black scheme. But I was curious as to your paint scheme. It is not in the parts bin. Has it been removed?

 

[rmks2000]

Ron,

I know your post is a bit old, but I recently bought the Pfalz because of the black scheme. But I was curious as to your paint scheme. It is not in the parts bin. Has it been removed?

 

[rickstef]

it should be somewhere

I will see if I have it, and I will upload it

Rick

 

[rickstef]

it should be somewhere

I will see if I have it, and I will upload it

Rick