Some weeks back on this list the variations found in the Pegasus kit
of the Siemens Schuckert D-III kit were brought up. This kit was issued
three times by Pegasus, the first issue being one of the first kits issued
by that concern. I have examples of each of the issues as well as an
example of the Czech resin that later issues were mastered from, I thought
I would post a few impressions of the kit and variations between the
issues. Principal reference for these notes is Windsock Datafile #29
Siemens Schuckert D-III/D-IV. This contains excellent, very thoroughly
researched plans drawn by Dick Bennett which have received considerable
praise.
1st issue--
Pegasus Kit #003, 24/9/82, date found on instruction sheet.
Kit consists of 14 injection molded pieces in black plastic with very
thick sprues, in fact every piece in this kit is quite thickly molded. The
lower wings are thick with a hint of raised rib detail and are one rib
station shy of those shown in the Datafile plans. The upper wings have
similar rib detail and correct span but have incorrect rib spacing and
undersized aileron balances. Fuselage is approximately 3mm too deep at the
forward end of the cockpit with the cockpit opening a few millimeters too
far aft. Fuselage lacks headrest. Fuselage detail is raised panel lines
and vents near engine. Cowling features lower cutaway of production a/c
but no engine support detail and is quite thick. The rudder is slightly
oversize. Prop is also a heavily molded piece and the spinner lacks
ventilation holes. No struts, guns or decals were included in this kit.
2nd issue--
Pegasus Kit, "Stage 1" #003, issued 1985/86 (according to Datafile)
Kit consists of 17 injection molded pieces in white plastic with
very thick sprues. This is an improved effort based upon the Czech resin
kit. Fuselage is in three pieces- 2 halves and a forward upper deck for
the gun mounting. Fuselage features scribed panel lines and recessed hand
grips and no head rest. Wings are thinner than previous issue with
recesses between rib stations. Lower wings have correct number of ribs
with slightly oversized aileron balance. Upper wing is undersize,
approximately 2 mm shy in chord and 3 mm to short in span. A full circular
cowling is provided found on prototype and early production aircraft,
however the rudder in the kit is that of "standard" production machines and
not correct for full cowling types. Prop and spinner better than previous
issue, spinner lacks cooling vent holes. Guns are crude moldings and best
replaced. Engine is 11 cylinder Siemens engine and is vast improvement
over previous issue. No struts or decals were included in this kit.
3rd issue--
Pegasus Kit, #1006, issued 1991 (according to Datafile)
Kit consists of 15 injection molded pieces in gray plastic with thin
sprues similar to current releases. There are three white metal parts, two
guns and a cowling with spider engine support. Fuselage essentiall that of
2nd issue but with headrest added. Wings differ from 2nd issue in style of
rib detail but have same dimensional deficencies of the second issue.
Stabilizer is same as 2nd issue kit and in both cases the elevator is a
full 3.5 mm shy in chord. This is quite noticeable when held up to the
plans. Prop is the most refined piece of the three issues and features
vent holes on the spinner. Landing gear parts consist of wheels (best of
any of the issues) and spreader bar but no struts are included. Engine is
identical to previous issue and has fair detail. Metal guns are nicely
done and well molded. Decals are offered, a two color balck and white
sheet with late-style Balken kreuze, instrument panel detail and "Lo!" for
Ernst Udet's machine. The crosses on my sheet are badly out of register.
All three issues feature plans showing a fuselage with headrest in
place. The Datafile states that this feature appears to be limited to
machines in the series 8340-8359/17.
As Matt mentioned in an earlier posting today, the Pegasus Sopwith
Snipe (a contemporary of the first SSW issue) is molded in thick plastic
and difficult to assemble. I suppose that the first issue could be built
as an accurate model, there is probably enough plastic available in the kit
pieces to carve out a properly dimensioned fuselage. I would be interested
to hear how many of the various issues got into the hands of members of
this list.
Charles
hartc@spot.colorado.edu