While I'm waiting
for a re-edition of Heller's Couzinet Arc-en-ciel and Delta's Savoia Marchetti
S-55 (not to mention a brave manufacturer who would like to tackle in 1/72 the
Transavia Air Truck), I found consolation in Heller's PZL P-23.
This is one of the best models Heller have produced (and I have built a lot). A
good model with a fairly acceptable level of detail. Fuselage side detail and
Interior frames are depicted, a good instrument panel and good exteriors (in
subtly raised panel lines).
A note about Heller's care: I discovered a small indentation in the front of the
cowling and dutifully (and painfully) filled and sanded it. In checking
references -oh, why we do that always after!- I discovered that it has to be
there: it's an opening to clear the shots from the machine gun. A word of
wisdom: pitot tube, tail skid and position lights are molded integrally with the
correspondent parts. It is not absolutely necessary to clumsily knock off those
during building. I just did with only one (pitot tube).
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Transparencies are
rather clear and detailed too, and the fit is appropriate. I dealt with the
frames with decal paper airbrushed first in aluminum then in the color of the
exterior of the plane. Tiny stripes are cut later (very sharp new blade,
fellows) and carefully added. I placed the ones that run vertically, fixed them
with a brush and micro-sol, and then the horizontal ones. They show the metal
color on the inside (the decal originally is transparent). The color of the
exterior was sightly peeling off, which gave a very good look of barely chipped
frames. I found this method as painful and horrific as any other, but the final
results are better in my case.
The kit builds smoothly with just
average skills required. Parts for A and B versions are included.
I found a lot of references on the Internet, included detailed plans, photos and
profiles.
Some times I wonder why we are willing to spend a lot of time dealing with short
run kits (which I love, don't get me wrong), and dismiss main stream ones,
fairly priced, that just require a little bit of care. I really liked this one,
I hope you do too.
Gabriel
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