Corgi Aviation Archive Series Die-cast Model

Fokker E.II Eindecker - Kurt von Crailsheim, FFA 53, Luftstreitkrafte, Monthois, France, October 1915

1:48 Scale.  Length: 5.9”.  Wingspan: 8”


Limited Edition of 2,000 Models Worldwide

Few airplanes have had such a dramatic impact on the history of aerial warfare as the Fokker Eindecker series of monoplanes, aircraft which are regarded as the first true fighter aircraft in the history of aviation. It was not that these single-wing aircraft were such advanced aeronautical designs, as many of the world’s successful early aircraft were monoplanes (such as the Bleriot XI which crossed the English Channel in 1909), however, they did make use of a particularly sinister innovation. The introduction of interrupter gear synchronized the aircraft’s machine-gun to fire through the arc of the propeller, only allowing it to operate once the blade was clear and crucially, in the pilot’s direct line of sight. For the first time, an aeroplane had been specifically introduced to hunt and destroy other aircraft – the day of the fighter airplane had arrived.

Despite having a dramatic effect on the Western Front the Eindecker was still a primitive aircraft and required an immense amount of skill in order to be flown well. This was illustrated by eager young Luftstreitkräfte pilot Baron Kurt von Crailsheim, who after being posted to FFA 53 in the summer of 1915 had his and the unit’s first aerial victory by September 22. Just a few days later he crashed the twitchy Eindecker while attempting a landing at Monthois airfield, which resulted in his fighter being written off. He later received a new replacement aircraft, which he once again painted in his personal colors, but it was to be the machine which claimed his life. Suffering a similar landing accident on December 30, 1915, his injuries would prove so severe that he died in the hospital five days later.


Corgi is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, diecast display models. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using the specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. This model is made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a Fokker E.II features: