1:72 KP SOPWITH SCOOTER, KPM 0165,2024
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THE RACING SWALLOW!
Essentially a re-issue of the Kovozavody Prostejov Sopwith Swallow with fresh decals and an attractively presented box top with colour profiles and paint references underneath. Our kit is as new with all the contents repackaged in 'zip-loc' polythene bags replacing the dreaded cellophane sleeve with self-adhesive strip. The model is accurate and extremely well-crafted with subtle fuselage and wing/tailplane rib representations. Alternative parts, common to both kits, include Clerget and Le Rhone engines; a choice of airscrews and cockpit coamings-one plain for the Scooter variant-the other with slots for the Swallow to accommodate the twin Vickers guns. Two styles of ailerons are supplied: one squared off, and rounded outlines for the Scooter. Actually, the latter's wing was somewhat smaller in span and area than that of the Swallow but we can excuse KP for not moulding a whole new wing, especially since reliable drawings are lacking.
*CONTAINS 1:72 SCALE DRAWINGS!
THIS is a delightful re-boxing of Kovozavody Prostejov's popular Sopwith Swallow kit re-marketed as the ''Monoplane No.1'' Scooter with bright new box based on a well-known photo of G-EACZ having its 110-hp Le Rhone rotary engine being run-up. KP's artist has rendered the fuselage and tail in scarlet-authentic or not it sure looks pretty! Not surprisingly the 39 detailed parts on their single runner are identical to those of the Swallow kit with alternative parts to produce either. Decals are really sharp and provide markings for Harry Hawker's 'runabout' G-EACZ dating from May 1921; the same aircraft-now yellow overall-when flown for demonstrations and racing during 1926 and duplicate markings for K-135 as supplied in the Swallow version. All three are presented under the box in full colour over a dozen side and plan forms, together with Humbrol and Agama paint call-outs.
*Both monoplanes were treated to a seven page, generously illustrated plans feature on pages 14-20 of WINDSOCK International, Vol.14, No.4, July/ August 1998, a sole remaining copy of which is available here as a back number. The kit includes a copy of Ian Stair's 1:72 scale drawings scanned from that issue inside the box. All contents are in mint condition.
