The Albatros D. III was built under license by the Oesterreichische Flugzeugfabrik AG (Oeffag), totaling 281 aircraft (153.01-153.281). These aircraft had beefier lower wings and the powerful 200-hp Daimler engine. The spinner had a nasty habit of coming off during flight and damaging the airframe. Starting with 153.112, the nose was blunted for the remainder of the production run. This change also increased the speed of the aircraft another 9 mph. The main drawback of the plane was the buried and slow firing Schwarzlose guns. At the insistence of the pilots, these were placed on top of the fuselage in the following 253 series.

When I first saw this engine on Eduard’s web site, I knew this was going to be, without a doubt, the best version of this engine ever made by any company. This even includes Eduard themselves, because this engine is being used in their kits of the Bf-109 and the Bf-110. I thought at the time that I would ask if I can use this kit to include in my review of the BF-110 but, after receiving it and seeing how great the detail was, I decided to build it as a stand alone and not let all that detail be hidden from view.

I can’t thank Eduard enough for their support of IPMS USA. We have ample opportunities to review their excellent products, and we reviewers certainly appreciate Eduard’s providing us with the finest photoetch on the planet! (An opinion of this reviewer, but I believe it’s true!)

This is a simple conversion to the Tamiya 1/48 Betty kit interior parts. When you hold the basic kit items up with the Eduard upgrade you notice the difference.

This set is intended to provide a better instrument panel and engine control cluster in the center console stand, and appropriate seat belts to better define the cockpit interior under Tamiya’s huge clear canopy. There are also several instrument panels for the side walls. As you can see the instrument panel is the star of this set.