Friday, July 19, 2013

Model Airplane International 04/2011

This new kit comprises 27 injection moulded parts, 3 clear transparencies (canopy and two belly windows) and one resin part (engine front) and it makes up into an accurate replica of the this World War II workhorse fighter. The kit itself offers simple construction with the only area of caution being the correct positioning of the tubby fighter's landing gear assembly. Thankfully, the instructions clearly show the sequence to be followed and I experienced no problems interpreting them. Finely engraved panel lines adorn the kit throughout. No trimming was needed to install the five-piece cockpit, however the seat comes without any belts. Given the seat position height in the cockpit, the shoulder straps are clearly visible directly below the headrest through the canopy, so their addition was necessary, along with lap belts, which I fashioned from tape cut into thin strips. Simple painting enhanced the resin nine-cylinder R-1820 engine front and it fitted well within the cowl ring. Before I knew it, the basic airframe assembly was completed. I did have to use some filler on the wing halves and fuselage seams but that was minimal.


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