The parts break down is logical
and assembly looks like it won't be too difficult. Wing rigging isn't
shown on the instructions but it is partly shown on the box art as well as the
line drawings in the instructions for those
people that like to string rigging on 1/72 Bi-Planes. The cockpit consists
of a decent little seat, a control stick but no instrument panel. There is
also a ridge around the cockpit
opening representing the leather padding ridge....a bit of paint will set this
detail off well. cockpit side wall detail consists of a few frame pieces
molded to the inside of the fuselage sides.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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general view of parts |
Engine
and guns |
There are 2 cockpit fuselage
openings included, but one is not needed and the instructions clearly show
which one to use.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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It is difficult to
capture the wing detail......you can almost feel the cloth over the wing
spars....simply lovely and good to see such detail....especially in 1/72.
The machine guns are twin side by side guns on the fuselage directly in front of
the pilot that shoot through the propeller and these guns have fantastic
detail. Subtle drybrushing and a wash will be the key here. One prop
is included and you'll have to learn how to simulate a wood finish on it.
Judging by the box art....the bulk of the fuselage is done in a wood
finish.....so you'll have to figure out a way to simulate that......it is
possible.....it just requires a tiny bit of effort.
The 8 page
instruction booklet includes....Albatros W.4 history, parts breakdown of the
sprues, 6 pages of assembly and decal instructions. The line drawings
for the assembly instructions are well done and very easy to follow.
There is also colour drawing/paint instructions on the back of the
box. Painting instructions include Humbrol paints. |
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Decal options
are for 3 almost identical paint schemes....
- Albatros W4 (early) C/H
747 Naval Test Centre Warnemunde Oblt.d RFriedrich Christiansen August
1916.
- Albatros W4 (early) C/H
785 Naval Test Centre Windau October 1916.
- Albatros W4 (early) C/H
786 Naval Test Centre Warnemunde November 1916.
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This is a great
little kit of this famous fighter adapted to floats and I highly recommend it and Roden kits in
general to anyone wanting to build some WW1 aircraft.
Special thanks to LuckyModel.com
Hobby Shop for sending me this review sample. I've ordered kits from
them and their service was excellent.
Steve