* (114-98), CURTIS JN-4 ''JENNY''
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'QUEEN OF THE AIR'
THE beloved Curtiss JN-4 ' Jenny' instantly recognisable to past generations of young Americans yearning to fly, was first immortalized in plastic kit form by Aurora in 1957 with their popular 35 part production. Now one of the company's rarest models we have just the one example in near-mint condition moulded in its original vivid yellow and black shiny plastic. Accurate in outline, the model was easy to assemble once all the etched markings had been eradicated and some extra detailing applied. Although most of the parts are still clinging to their runners, there are inevitably some that have gotten away and these have been sealed in separate plastic bags. The kit is complete right down to a pair of tiny clear windshields-extras sets are included. Decal sheet offers authentic markings for a Kelly Field trainer of 19818 and crisply printed-better than most other Aurora kits of the day. It looks to be usable but a cautionary coat of clear acrylic is advisable before use. Plastic content is mint and the box is almost perfect with just a few residual clear tape areas. This can be removed with solvent but our experience with these old kits makes us cautious with such 'defects' best left undisturbed...
**CONTAINS EXTRA PARTS AND DECALS!
THE Curtiss 'Jenny' was a hugely popular and successful twin seat biplane that served the fledgling United States Army Air Service with distinction for many years during and after 'The Great War' as the perfect training machine. Thousands were built and following the Armistice, great swathes of war-surplus JN-4s became readily available at bargain-basement prices. Breathtaking 'Barnstorming' ; exhilarating joyrides for fare-paying passengers from all walks of life and becoming a vital and reliable air mail asset, the 'Jenny' had few equals. These wartime survivors were also frequently employed by Hollywood studios for many early aviation epics-and a number of later roles too.
Aurora's 'Jenny' was released in 1957 when it retailed for just 98 Cents. It comprised 35 bright yellow parts; nine black 'accessories' and a pair of tiny windscreens in transparent plastic. Authentic decals provided accurate markings for 29805 operated from ASMS Kelly Field. The kit was reasonably accurate in outline although detail was on the heavy side-typical of Aurora-and the inevitable embossed markings took time and effort to remove. Whilst lacking some of the finesse of its Lindberg contemporary, Aurora's JN-4 was by no means the poor relation once some care was taken to refine its clunkier aspects and rib tape detail applied over the barren wing undersurfaces. There's the usual ground-base with two mechanics and our kits decals,(we have supplied an extra bonus sheet) despite their age,look usable although an overall coat or two of acrylic clear would be advisable
Instructions are well laid out and on the reverse of the large sheet artworks to showcase period Aurora products that were notable for their diversity with aircraft of all periods; helicopters; AFVs and historic sailing ships to name but a few.Our sole remaining Jenny is in mint condition and the colourful box with typical Jo Kotula artwork is virtually pristine and looks almost brand new! Aurora repackaged the kit in 1960 along with their DH4 in a limited edition Barnstormers' set (200-1.98) with the Jenny moulded in startling metallic green! Aurora never issued the JN-4 again but in recent years the moulds have reappeared under the Glencoe Models label.
Curtiss coverage! As far as reference material on the Jenny, there's a multitude of them, many published in the USA. We have our own two volume DATAFILE DF 132 and DF 133 set by Colin A Owers first printed in 2008 and 2009 respectively and although now in low numbers we have a few remaining in store. With detailed 1:48 scale drawings by the author plus scores of archive images and stunning colour profiles by Ronny Bar, they remain the perfect go-to guides for Jenny fans. * There's also Profile Publications No.37 written by Peter M Bowers and published in 1966 with many period photos, a concise history and colourful profiles on inner covers. Limited numbers of all three are currently available-please see links below...
