FINAL VERDICT
This really is a magnifi cent kit that will stretch the experienced modeller, and in spite of the lack of plastic
here, should be no more daunting than tacking a 1:32 Felixstowe, or at the other extreme building and fully rig-
ging a 1:72 model such as a DH.2. Indeed it might even be easier, though I would think you would need to put a bit
of time aside to complete it. By carefully following the very thorough instructions it should be a straightforward
build, but there’s no doubting that the coming together of a variety of woods and metals will challenge the modeller.
So too will the painting of it as a model this size deserves to have every grain of plywood and every leather crease
replicated, and the fun will be in capturing the various textures and fi nishes. Those with a good set of tools and a
variety of paints and adhesives will be better placed to get the most out of the model, though the instructions make
it very clear those that are needed to assist in the making. This is not a cheap kit, but it does sit comfortably
amongst the higher end of larger construction kits and as such is competitively priced. Anyway, what price can you
put on the level of enjoyment this would generate? Looking at the task ahead it could certainly rank high on my list
of modelling experiences. Our thanks go to The Hobby Company for the review sample.Issue 169 - http://www.modelairplaneinternational.com 75wooden parts is an airscrew made of a series
of laminations which has to be sanded to form,
a potentially daunting task but very much in
the spirit of this build which one can assume
will be tackled with confi dence by modellers
who won’t be put off by the sight of the model
on the box. One can also assume that if you
track this model down you will be well aware of
the task ahead.
Aside from the overall construction, the
painting offers a challenge in its own way with
the need to represent the mixture of wood,
leather and metal fi ttings with a degree of
authenticity. Reference is made to the use of
a photo-etch mask to assist in the spraying of
woodgrain, available as an extra, and shown
being used to good effect in a painting tutorial.
However, I am sure that modellers will have
had experience in replicating such effects on
other smaller models and will no doubt have
their favourites.
Thread, fi shing line, and wire are provided
for rigging and control wires and as with paint-
ing, modellers may have their own preferenc-es, though whilst thread wouldn’t necessarily
be my fi rst choice for rigging it does look okay
in the photos. Finally, to round off the package
an impressive acrylic stand is provided with
details of the aircraft laser etched onto the
surface, the suggestion of its use emphasising
the museum-quality nature of its presentation.
I’m sure however that one or two brave souls
would consider using this as the basis of a
diorama, by adding fabric surfaces and depict-
ing it as a crashed or partly stripped down
aircraft. ■