1:72 AIRFIX ROLAND C-II
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HERE BE WHALES!
Popular vintage WWI classic from Airfix, the Roland C.II (Pattern No. 120) was an exceptional release for the time. It was a bold gamble by any mainstream manufacturer for WWI aeroplane kits were few and far between in 1965 although its two wing struts and attractive design may have been contributory factors in selecting it for production. Comprising over 30 parts with four small transparencies, the model is well detailed with beautifully sculpted crew figures. Content of our example is moulded in light grey-being a later issue- and is in mint condition although the decals have been affected by age. The original polythene bag was degraded and split in places so the kit parts are now confined in a replacement closely matching original packaging.
*CONTAINS EXTRA PARTS!
AN unexpected WWI aeroplane release from Airfix in April 1965 was the radical 1915 Roland C.II Walfisch. The kit comprised 28 parts plus four tiny transparencies for the fuselage 'escape windows'. Excellent detail overall although some wing and tail surface outlines will require attention by experienced modellers. The kit included a pair of superbly-sculpted crew figures, the gesticulating pilot complete with billowing scarf-they have yet to be surpassed in any subsequent WWI model kit. Our Roland's grey plastic content is mint with decals representing the well-known C.II flown by Ritter Eduard von Schleich in Bavarian Fl. Abt. 26. The simple aerodynamic design of the Roland coupled with its singular interplane struts makes it an ideal choice for newcomers to the hobby. Within months of release the C.II was paired, somewhat anachronistically, with the venerable RE8 in the third Dogfight Doubles set (D262F) for a mere three shillings -great value when you consider individual Series 1 Airfix kits were a couple of bob! We have just one example of this classic kit available-with some spare parts-all sealed within new polythene bags...
