The Pfalz D.III was a German fighter aircraft deployed by the Imperial German Air Service during World War I, entering service in late 1917 and remaining active until mid-1918. Designed by newly appointed chief engineer Rudolph Gehringer, the D.III marked the first major original design by Pfalz Flugzeugwerke GmbH, based at Speyer airfield in the Pfalz region.
The new Pfalz D.III was powered by a Mercedes-Benz D.III engine, capable of delivering 160 horsepower. The aircraft featured a plywood monocoque fuselage, manufactured using the Wickelrumpf technique, developed and patented by Luft-Fahrzeug-Gesellschaft. This method involved placing two layers of thin plywood strips over a mold to form one half of the fuselage shell. The two halves were then glued together, covered with fabric, and treated with a dope finish. This construction method produced a fuselage that was both strong and lightweight, offering better streamlining compared to conventional construction techniques.
However, the Wickelrumpf technology had its drawbacks. It was expensive, labor-intensive, and demanded precise manufacturing. Additionally, these fuselages tended to warp or twist over time, which negatively impacted performance and created control issues. The wings, meanwhile, were constructed in a traditional manner with wooden ailerons.
The Pfalz D.III prototype was completed in April 1917 and made its maiden flight the following month. The design impressed the Inspectorate of Flying Troops so much that they placed an order for 70 aircraft before the first flight was even finished. Following flight tests later that month, the bureau requested several modifications, including an enlarged rudder and horn-balanced ailerons to improve handling. In June 1917, Pfalz received an additional order for 300 airframes of the type, marking a significant step in its production.
The Pfalz D.III entered service in August 1917, with Jasta 10 being the first operational unit to receive the aircraft, followed by Jasta 4 and others. The main strengths of the new airframe were its durability and sturdiness. It was also a relatively maneuverable platform, particularly effective in high-speed dives, making it well-suited for diving attacks on observation balloons.
However, the aircraft received mixed reactions for several reasons. Overall, it was seen as inferior to the Albatros D.III and D.V. German pilots often criticized the Pfalz D.III for its heavy controls, low speed, lack of power, and poor climb rate. The aircraft also had a tendency to slip during turns, which led to crashes, especially with inexperienced pilots flying at low altitudes.
Another significant issue was its tendency to fall into a flat spin after stalling, which made recovery difficult. While some highly skilled pilots used this trait as an escape maneuver, it was an unnerving experience for most. Additionally, the placement of the MG 08/15 Spandau guns inside the fuselage made it impossible for pilots to clear gun jams mid-flight, adding another layer of frustration.
In November 1917, Pfalz introduced the slightly modified D.IIIa. This updated version featured several improvements: the guns were relocated to the upper fuselage decking, the horizontal stabilizer was enlarged, and the wing tips of the lower wing were cut. Additionally, it was equipped with a more powerful version of the Mercedes D.III engine, delivering 180 horsepower.
Pfalz produced approximately 260 D.III and 750 D.IIIa aircraft. Most of these were delivered to Bavarian Jastas. The final production batch was completed in May 1918. As newer models like the Fokker D.VII began to flood the market in 1918, many Pfalz airframes were reassigned to advanced training schools. By the time of the Armistice, 100 aircraft remained in front-line service.
Pfalz D.IIIa, Eduard 1:48 Model
This Weekend Edition of the Pfalz D.III was released in 2021, although the model itself dates back to 1996! Originally launched as the Pfalz D.III, it has been reissued multiple times over the years, often with updated parts and decals, including a ProfiPACK version in 2009. Like the P-39Q Airacobra model I’m currently working on, you can really see the difference in the number of parts and details compared to more recent kits.
That said, the plastic parts are still crisp and well-molded. There are only a few ejector pin marks, and all seem to be in areas that will be hidden after assembly. Some minor blemishes are present, but they can be easily fixed with a bit of sanding without losing detail. As for the detailing, the ribbing on the wings looks good. The engine and cockpit could use more intricate details, but for a nearly 30-year-old kit, it’s to be expected—and that’s what aftermarket sets are for, after all!
Inside the box, you’ll find two dark grey plastic sprues, and that’s it in terms of parts! Additionally, there are three decal sheets—one for the standard markings, and two for the Lozenge camouflage schemes. The kit also includes a thin film for the windscreen. At the bottom of the box is an instruction booklet with step-by-step assembly directions, four different camouflage schemes, and color call-outs for Gunze and Mission Model paints.
The number of parts and overall complexity of the build shouldn’t pose much of a challenge. However, I’ll need to work on improving my rigging skills and get better at replicating wood effects. For this project, I’ve chosen to enhance the model with the following aftermarket sets:
- Black Dog A48003 Pfalz D.III A detail set
- Eduard FE1171 Pfalz D.IIIa
- Gaspatch Models 19-48165 Turnbuckles One End
- Gaspatch Models 13-48017 Turnbuckles Anchor Points
- Quinta Studio 1/48 Pfalz D.IIIa Interior 3D Decal set
For reference and additional information on the aircraft, I’ll be using both volumes of "Albatros Productions WSDA173 Pfalz D.IIIa at War!" and "WSDA174 Pfalz D.IIIa at War!" by Greg Van Wyngarden. These publications provide in-depth data on the airframe, along with fascinating stories and pilot commentary about flying and handling the Pfalz D.IIIa in combat. What sets these books apart, in my opinion, is the extensive collection of photographs, including close-up shots that capture all the intricate details of the aircraft.
Pfalz D.IIIa, Jasta 29, Flown by Lt. Eugen Siempelkamp
The Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 29 (Jasta 29) was a "hunting group" within the German Air Combat Forces, the air wing of the Imperial German Army during World War I. Jasta 29 was formed on December 28, 1916, at the 5th Replacement Detachment training facility in Hanover, Germany. Over the course of the war, the squadron achieved 76 aerial victories, with its first recorded on March 16, 1917.
The aircraft I will be recreating was flown by Lt. Eugen Siempelkamp, one of Jasta 29's two aces. This particular airframe was stationed in Gondecourt, France in July 1918.
According to Eduard's color guide, Jasta 29's markings typically featured dark green upper fuselage surfaces, with yellow-painted noses. Another distinctive feature was a pattern of black stripes painted on the underside of the fuselage, over the factory-applied silver. The wings were covered in a five-color Lozenge camouflage fabric, while the fin and rudder were painted white. The aircraft flown by Lt. Eugen Siempelkamp bore a striking emblem of the "Tatzelwurm", a mythical creature from Alpine folklore resembling a 'clawed worm.'
However, based on the information and photographs in the previously mentioned publications, the painting scheme for these fighters seems slightly different. It appears that only the Fokker D.VIIs had yellow noses, while the Pfalz D.IIIa retained its dark green color. Additionally, the top surface of the upper wing was also covered in dark green fabric.
Comments