| Iron Ship Wright | |
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Pre-war/Early War USN Aircraft F2A-1 Buffalo, SB2U-1 Vindicator and SBC-3 Helldiver |
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Reviewed By Charles Landrum, #26328 |
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MSRP: TBD To be sold separately in 6 plane blister packs Available soon directly from Iron Ship Wright or through retail outlets Review copy provided by: Commander Series Models, Inc. 551 Wegman Rd. Rochester, NY 14624 USA Commanders@frontiernet.net www.commanderseries.com I would like to thank John Warneke at Commander Series models for these review samples. For those who like the USN Navy during the inter-war period the news of Trumpeter’ planned release of Lexington and Saratoga fired the imagination. There was a certain degree of disappointment when it was announce that the kits were going to be released in a wartime configuration. But with the actual release of Lexington came the promise of backdates sets to take the ship back to the yellow wing era. That left the modeler with the promise of a 1930’s Lexington with no planes for the air group, save the TBD. Well salvation is at hand for those us wishing to model an earlier era; Commander Series Models will soon be releasing 1/350 Buffaloes, Vindicators and Helldivers biplanes! This is a review of the resin from these sets. No photo-etch or instructions have been provided, both are still in production. |
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The planes are in my sample are pretty nice castings, well molded in a gray durable and flexible resin. There is some flash and pour stubs that will need to be removed. I found that a quick scrape of a knife and a few swipes of a sanding stick eliminated most of the offending extra resin. Since the planes were silver prewar, I would recommend priming and sanding the planes for a smoother finish. In comparison to dimensional data I have on hand, the planes are correct in span and length. Overall these castings capture the look and lines of the planes represented. The Vindicator is molded with its wings extended; to fold them they will need to be cut at the bend in the wing. Check your references for the proper folded position. The Helldiver has the upper wing cast separately and will require the PE set to assemble. Except for the Helldiver, the canopy areas are molded with heavy but crisp framing; which will aid in painting. The Buffalo canopy is not framed aft of the cockpit, but painting will provide the illusion and you will need to do the same for the ventral window. On all of the planes, the landing gear are cast with the plane. While perhaps not a petite as PE or injection molded legs, they look proportional and will work well. I especially like the gear of the Buffalo. Each aircraft type came in a small blister pack with six aircraft a piece. This is a good number, since pre-war squadrons were comprised of 18 aircraft in six, three- plane sections. So unlike the Trumpeter sets, you can buy the exact number of aircraft that you need. Overall, these planes are a welcome addition, not only because of the subject but also the quality of the moldings. They will not only allow the modeler to replicate the late pre-war era, but also the early days of the war before theses planes were relegated to training commands. Highly recommended. I will provide an update when the PE and instructions arrive. To be continued… |
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