1:72 AMODEL SPAD S.A.4, (7261) , 2012?
-2451-p.jpg?v=26D2469D-D9B3-4E79-84ED-BF7B47E3F8E5)
-2451-p.jpg?v=6B567485-F289-416B-B7B8-8256E2D5D671)
-2451-p.jpg?v=3A3701E4-425A-496F-8AC8-1E3865267D09)
-2451-p.jpg?v=2CAEE828-92C2-40CD-8BFF-F39B15951EFF)
-2451-p.jpg?v=8E5AA1FF-E828-4373-A0C6-E326953FEFDC)
-2451-p.jpg?v=70DC1EC8-A610-48BA-9A98-EB8980B98195)
FROM THE PULPIT...
AN impressive 1:72 scale kit of the radical SPAD S.A-2 'Pulpit' fighter from Amodel of Ukraine with worldwide distribution by IBG of Poland. This 1915 French design solved the problem of arming warplanes with a forward-firing gun- before synchronized systems were developed- by having the observer/gunner positioned ahead of the spinning engine and airscrew in a novel self-contained nacelle. It found favour with other Allied manufacturers, the most notable example being the RAF BE9. Very much a limited-run affair, the kit is accurate and well-detailed with some surprisingly thin components that demand extra care when removing them from their runners. Decals provide markings for a 1916 Russian air service machine with multiple roundels and rudder serial S.54. Both these and the plastic content is as-new with the box being a little creased in a few areas. One only...
THIS novel French design was a bold and innovative solution to provide a forward-firing machine gun that would not be compromised by the arc swept by the airscrew. So what better than to place the gunner in front of the spinning rotary engine giving him the widest possible field of fire? It was the SPAD company that devised the extraordinary S.A-2 fighter biplane with its frontal nacelle that could be lowered to access the powerplant for maintenance.The design soon morphed into the S.A-4, mainly distinguished by removal of the lower wing ailerons and it was this variant that produced by Ukraine's Amodel to 1:72 scale and has issued in six versions-our example being the most recent. The kit comprises three runners that are extremely well-moulded and bear convincing detail overall. Some of the 45 parts are extremely fine, such as cockpit interior details; Hotchkiss and Lewis machine guns; struts; gun mounts and engine front plate. Admittedly there's a degree of flash on certain pieces that demand careful removal but nothing overly drastic. Design of the complex forward areas is well thought out with the undercarriage, side cheeks and central struts combined to ease the assembly process. There's even a tiny windscreen and window under the nacelle for good measure. Modest decal sheet provides full markings for S.54 of the Russian air service circa 1915.
Our kit is as-new apart from some localised creasing of the box, but all parts and decals are mint.
*SPAD source; best available reference is WINDSOCK MINI DATAFILE 4 by Jack Bruce with 1:72 and 1:48 scale drawings of both types, a detailed narrative; 22 rare period photos and full colour profiles on the rear cover. Copies of the book remain in stock here-please see the link below...
