Out of the Box Review
1/72 Phalz E.V from HR Model

by: Brent Theobald

Phalz E.V Kit Stock Number: HR7230
Phalz E.I-E.VI Datafile Stock Number: ALBD059


History:
The Phalz E.V was a re-engined Phalz E.IV. Basically the engineers at Phalz replaced the Oberusel rotary engine with an inline Mercedes engine. Like the rest of the Phalz E series the E.V was unsuccessful. There were only a few used operationally. The rest were relegated to training units.

The Kit:
The resin in this kit is well cast. It looks to be above average in quality. The parts match the 1/72nd scale drawings in the Windsock Phalz E.I-E.VI Datafile (a must have if you plan on building this model).

Scribed into the exterior of the fuselage is some fine louvre detail. There were no air pockets or voids in my fuselage halves. Dry fitting the two halves together shows that they should mate well. They could be used just as they are. However, thinning them down would better accommodate some extra interior detailing.

The wings look good too. There is no evidence of the "starving cow" syndrome. The rib detail is raised. It could use a little sanding to tone it down a bit. Conversely the rib detail would look fine if it was left alone too. The wings are moderately thin. Thinner would be better, but they are acceptable. There are a few pin holes. They would be very difficult to fill individually, but a coat of paint should do the job. Basically, knock off the casting plug and clean up the edges of the wing. And then after a coat of paint the wings should be ready to assemble.
 
 

The control surfaces are moderately thin as well. After removal from the casting plug there will be some clean up required along the mold seam. This looks to be a minor operation. The detail parts are cast in a resin wafer, so obviously, a little clean up with a sanding stick is necessary. Overall the parts all look pretty good. The seat looks to be mastered from a Pegasus kit. The engine is usable. However, if a spare Mercedes can be found from a Toko or Roden kit that will look better. It might be easier to find some "O" rings instead of cleaning up the resin pieces that are to be used for tires. These are merely suggestions, the kit's parts are perfectly useable.
 
 

The photo etched sheets look good. There are pieces to make the uncovered, spoked wheels (those are to be used in conjunction with resin "O" rings). There are some other fiddly bits, such as seat belt buckles, and machine gun parts. Obviously, the instrument panel and an acetate sheet of instruments are included. Interestingly these parts are marked "Fokker E.IV". There is nothing wrong with a little recycling of parts. It saves the manufacturer some money, so hopefully they can afford to bring out more kits. Anyhow, less obvious are some of the other parts on the larger sheet. Since the instructions are less than sparse the modeler is left to decide where these should go. Once again it is recommended the modeler investigate the Windsock Datafile on the Phalz E series.
 

Decals:
These look pretty poor. They look as if they were run off a copy machine. The edges of all the graphics look ragged. As if they were enlarged from another source. Much like the photo etched instrument panel this decal sheet has been recycled from another kit. The serial number E.I. 479/15 is, in fact, for a Phalz. Only it is for a Phalz E.I as the serial number suggests. Most of the photos in the Phalz Datafile show aircraft without serial numbers. So, the only use this decal sheet has is for the crosses. The decal sheet ought to be tossed out since better crosses can be found elsewhere.

Instructions:
The instructions are nonexistent. That really isn't a big deal except for the location of some of the photo etched parts. All it does is give the modeler a brief history, some crude photo-copies of pictures and location for the crosses. The Phalz Datafile will serve as reference much better than the one sided sheet included with this kit.

Conclusion:
In spite of all the little problems with this kit I still like it. Yes, the fuselage is a little thick, some of the photo etch is mysterious and the decals are nearly useless. The redeeming qualities of this model are an accurate shape, good quality parts and the fact that model is buildable. It is an attractive little plane with the black outlines on the clear doped (or white) linen. It isn't a model for a beginner, but it is one that would make a modeler proud to complete.