1:72 KP SOPWITH SWALLOW, KPM0484,2024
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SUMMER SWALLOW!
AN attractive parasol-winged Sopwith monoplane design that appeared in Summer 1918, the 'Scooter' later begat the twin Vickers-armed Swallow fighter developed for performance trials. This impressive little kit from Kovozavody Prostejov was released in 2024 together with a dedicated 'Scooter' kit [KPM 0165] containing alternative decals and which is also available in our shop. Very well detailed with sharp flying and control surfaces, the kit includes parts for both variants in the box. Decals provide markings for 'Sopwith Monoplane No.2' at two stages in its short life: as first completed in overall CDL with rudder stripes and white serial block; and then later with PC10 upper-surfaces and serial B9267 added. The third option is for the clear-doped 'Scooter' bearing the fuselage number K-135, an option also included in KP's 0165 kit.
*CONTAINS 1:72 SCALE DRAWINGS!
DURING the Summer of 1918, the Sopwith Aviation Co., Ltd. produced a one-off parasol-winged 'runabout' for their test pilot Harry Hawker and employing a Camel fuselage. Soon dubbed the 'Scooter', it was powered by a 130-hp Clerget 9B and subsequently formed the basis of a modified machine armed with twin Vickers guns and powered by a 100-hp Le Rhone rotary for performance triala at Martlesham Heath. The single example, marked with an allocated Camel serial, was not proceeded with and vanished from the books in mid-1919. For many years modellers wishing to add this dainty monoplane to their collections were compelled to marry a scratch-built upper wing to a Camel kit but thanks to this 2024 release from Kovozavody Prostejov of the Czech Republic that's no longer necessary... Inside the attractive end-opening box is a single frame bearing 36 parts that include alternative powerplant; airscrew; ailerons and cockpit turtledeck for the earlier 'Scooter' version. Surface detail is excellent throughout, especially wing rib representation, subtle fuselage spacer and convincing metal panel areas. There's a cockpit floor with separate seat; control column; rudder bar and dashboard: assembly aided by eight well-illustrated stages. The decal sheet presents markings for three finishes all referenced by multi-view colour profiles under the box. Prototype Monoplane No.2 is featured in its original overall CDL appearance during September 1918 and when later marked B9278 with PC10 upper-surfaces.
*FOR the best 'easy to Swallow' reference we refer you to the six-page plans feature published in WINDSOCK International Vol.14, No.5 July/August 1998 which contained 1:72 and 1:48 scale plans, 15 rare period photos and an informed narrative from Jack Bruce. Please see below for purchase link...
