This
model is one of my most recent model show purchases, I was attracted to the
stand full of tiny 1/200 scale models at Cosford model show and this being the
smallest, at just less than 2.5cm long at its widest point (and only £3!)
I
decided I had to give it a go (plus there was also the advantage that one of
these strange contraptions actually resides at RAF Cosford museum, where the
show was being held and was not more than a few paces away so I could take a
couple of photos at the same time!).
The
kit is by a very small company called Shed Models which make a selection of
prototype, experimental and obscure models in 1/200 scale. The flea fits the
bill nicely, being a design by a furniture designer called Henry Mignet, many
people built them in their sheds and garages and some actually attempted to fly
them, unfortunately not always sucessfully!
Click on
images below to see larger images
The
kit comes in a small cardboard box with an information sheet, decals for 2
different serial numbers, the kit parts and a very short description of
how to put it together. The kit is made of white metal and comes in 3
parts, the upper wing, propeller and fuselage. The parts are well moulded,
only a small amount of trimming is required to remove the mold lines and
flash. The decals are very well printed and go on nicely with no
silvering. They don't give a specific paint scheme so I decided to paint
mine like the one in RAF Cosford museum. I used Tamiya Royal Blue, and
White for the fuselage and Chrome Silver for the wings. I decided to paint
the engine area with Humbrol 53. I added a small amount of rigging as an
extra.
Overall this was an
enjoyable build, certainly worth the pennies!
Amanda Jones
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