1:48 AJP NIEUPORT 11 (0814),1996
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BARE-BONES BABY!
FOR a modelling challenge of a quite different kind the AJP Maquette 1:48 Nieuport 11 Bebe released in 1996 certainly ticked all the boxes. Major parts were presented in skeletal form on a large sheet of etched brass that required carefully completed sub-assemblies for covering in the pale linen-coloured tissue paper provided. We found that the humble Pritt Stick was best for adhering the tissue to the brass frames but it requires care when doing so. None of the AJP kits include decals and so we have provided a spare sheet from an old SMER kit which should prove suitable for this model although the tissue will require pre-varnishing. All content is complete and in good condition but the flimsy box has required some slight reinforcement in places. This rare kit is now considered highly collectable...
THE Nieuport 11 Bebe remains a firm favourite with WWI aircraft modellers and has been the subject of many a plastic kit over the years.The AJP Maquettes 1:48 scale release of 1996* however was quite different consisting of a large brass-etched sheet bearing the full fuselage, tail and wing surfaces as bare framework with the former being a fold-up box affair.The idea was to cover these frames in the linen-coloured tissue supplied for an authentic CDL finish. Remaining content was mainly white metal and included Le Rhone motor, airscrew, Lewis gun, wheel rims and lengths of fine wire. Completing the package were rubber tyres plus a resin cowling and tail-skid fairings. No decals were supplied in any of the AJP models...
Whilst not the easiest of Nieuport kits to build, the challenge is well worth the effort and the covered frames look totally authentic on completion. The Bebe comes with full instructions for the complex assembly that includes a highly detailed cockpit area. As the original kit lacked decals we have included a bonus sheet from a SMER Nieuport II kit and colour notes with Humbrol call-outs are included in the description here.
*The initial AJP range-including the Bebe-was fully reviewed in WINDSOCK International Vol.12, No.6, November/December 1996.
