Pegasus Siemens Schuckert D-III (1/72)

By: C.P. Hart hartc@spot.colorado.edu

Some weeks back on this list the variations found in the Pegasus kit of the Siemens Schuckert D-III kit were brought up. This kit was issued three times by Pegasus, the first issue being one of the first kits issued by that concern. I have examples of each of the issues as well as an example of the Czech resin that later issues were mastered from, I thought I would post a few impressions of the kit and variations between the issues. Principal reference for these notes is Windsock Datafile #29 Siemens Schuckert D-III/D-IV. This contains excellent, very thoroughly researched plans drawn by Dick Bennett which have received considerable praise.

1st issue - Pegasus Kit #003, 24/9/82, date found on instruction sheet.

Kit consists of 14 injection molded pieces in black plastic with very thick sprues, in fact every piece in this kit is quite thickly molded. The lower wings are thick with a hint of raised rib detail and are one rib station shy of those shown in the Datafile plans. The upper wings have similar rib detail and correct span but have incorrect rib spacing and undersized aileron balances. Fuselage is approximately 3mm too deep at the forward end of the cockpit with the cockpit opening a few millimeters too far aft. Fuselage lacks headrest. Fuselage detail is raised panel lines and vents near engine. Cowling features lower cutaway of production a/c but no engine support detail and is quite thick. The rudder is slightly oversize. Prop is also a heavily molded piece and the spinner lacks ventilation holes. No struts, guns or decals were included in this kit.

2nd issue - Pegasus Kit, "Stage 1" #003, issued 1985/86 (according to Datafile)

Kit consists of 17 injection molded pieces in white plastic with very thick sprues. This is an improved effort based upon the Czech resin kit. Fuselage is in three pieces- 2 halves and a forward upper deck for the gun mounting. Fuselage features scribed panel lines and recessed hand grips and no head rest. Wings are thinner than previous issue with recesses between rib stations. Lower wings have correct number of ribs with slightly oversized aileron balance. Upper wing is undersize, approximately 2 mm shy in chord and 3 mm to short in span. A full circular cowling is provided found on prototype and early production aircraft, however the rudder in the kit is that of "standard" production machines and not correct for full cowling types. Prop and spinner better than previous issue, spinner lacks cooling vent holes. Guns are crude moldings and best replaced. Engine is 11 cylinder Siemens engine and is vast improvement over previous issue. No struts or decals were included in this kit.

3rd issue - Pegasus Kit, #1006, issued 1991 (according to Datafile)

Kit consists of 15 injection molded pieces in gray plastic with thin sprues similar to current releases. There are three white metal parts, two guns and a cowling with spider engine support. Fuselage essentiall that of 2nd issue but with headrest added. Wings differ from 2nd issue in style of rib detail but have same dimensional deficencies of the second issue. Stabilizer is same as 2nd issue kit and in both cases the elevator is a full 3.5 mm shy in chord. This is quite noticeable when held up to the plans. Prop is the most refined piece of the three issues and features vent holes on the spinner. Landing gear parts consist of wheels (best of any of the issues) and spreader bar but no struts are included. Engine is identical to previous issue and has fair detail. Metal guns are nicely done and well molded. Decals are offered, a two color balck and white sheet with late-style Balken kreuze, instrument panel detail and "Lo!" for Ernst Udet's machine. The crosses on my sheet are badly out of register.

All three issues feature plans showing a fuselage with headrest in place. The Datafile states that this feature appears to be limited to machines in the series 8340-8359/17.


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Author: Allan Wright (aew@pease1.sr.unh.edu)