Meikraft Models Pfalz DIIIa

The variety of old, plastic 1/72nd WWI aircraft kits available via eBay surprises me.  Many kits are from the 1960s and 1970s and arrive still sealed in shrinkwrap.

One recent purchase was this mid-70s kit from Meikraft Models of a German Pfalz DIIIa.  Meikraft Models is a company unfamiliar to me from my youth.  At that time, Revell was about the only manufacturer I recall ever seeing in stores.  

This Meikraft kit, states that it was a short-run from the mid-70s and "Made for the serious modeler - Experience required."  That warning is appropriate since the kit comes out of the box in rough shape.  Flash, heavy flash, rough cuts, poor molding, and poor fit are all in abundance. 

The best surprises in the kit are the two decal sheets.  From these two decal sheets, a number of Pfalz DIII's can be adorned.  A really terrific variety of aircraft possibilities with these.  Getting these old decal sheets, alone, might provide justification for buying this kit.   

Even though the kit was a bit rough requiring extra work, the construction was straightforward.  After painting, application of decals, and some dirtying up, I think this kit will be a good addition to my growing German Jagdstaffel.  A neat kit and terrific decal sheets.