1/48 Eduard Pfalz D.III

by Sören Bartusch

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In September 1917, the Pfalz D.III got to the western front. It was supposed to augment the Albatros D.III there.

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The elegant Pfalz was characterized by its ruggedness. Additionally, its maximum speed of 165 km/h was slightly higher than that of the Albatros.  However, the Albatros was superior in terms of maximum speed and rate of climb.  Another weak point of the Pfalz was the mounting of the two MG 08/15 in the fuselage.  Jams in the guns couldn't be resolved in flight because of this.
This was improved, when the Version D.IIIa came to service in the winter of 1917/1918.

Although the Pfalz was inferior to allied aircraft like the Sopwith Camel, SPAD or S.E.5, about 1000 aircraft of the D.III and D.IIIa type were built und had been in service until the end of war.

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The aircraft my Pfalz D.III represents was used by the bavarian Jagdstaffel 16 in spring of 1918.  I built the model from the 1/48 Eduard kit.  Markings for this model were selfmade by my friends.
Thanks to Viking and Hans!

Sören

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Photos and text © by Sören Bartusch