Well, seeing how it's relatively quiet at the moment I'll have a go at
a kit review on the Siemens-Schuckert D.III I just received from Usk. My
first review attempt, so bear with me....
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Czechmaster Resin Siemens-Schuckert D.III 1/72
US$19.95 Aviation Usk 602 Front St., Usk, WA 99180, USA
The kit is cast in a soft-ish grey resin of apparently high quality, and
is devoid entirely of air bubbles, blemishes, and other untoward surface
irregularities. The wings come in three pieces (top plane, separate bottom
planes) and are all deliciously thin. Profile and rib/bay count appears
correct. The fuselage halves appear somewhat thick near the cockpit opening,
requiring thinning, but otherwise are excellently done, and feature
engraved panel detail. Again, profile and fuselage components seem to
correspond perfectly to line drawings. Upon initial assembly the overall fit
appears good, and the resin material seems to accept most cement types.
No metal accessories are provided-- rather, numerous detail items (i.e.
control stick, rudder bar, machine-guns, engine, cowling, etc.) are
delicately executed in the same resin on a paper-thin 'sheet', from which
they can be easily removed. These parts are entirely beautiful (the cowling,
alone, is worth the price!), and IMO superior to brass/lead work. No strut
material is provided. A rudimentary instruction sheet is included, but it
does no justice to the craftsmanship of the plastic components.
The negative aspects of the kit devolve around a couple items: a) it is
truly pricey at 20.00; b)no decals nor strut material are provided
(seemingly unreasonable at such cost); c)kit availability is exceedingly
poor-- one might easily wait 2-4 *months* to receive their kit! All this
notwithstanding, it will certainly build-up to a magnificent D.III model.
Cheers, Erik
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"Here's to your Enemies' enemies!..."
--Old Irish Toast
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