1:72 RODEN ALBATROS W.4, (028), 2003.
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THE ANCIENT MARINER!
RELEASED in January 2003, this Roden W 4 represented the early version of the 'sea-booted albatross' and contained five runners of well-moulded and highly comprehensive parts*, some being intended for the late version which followed. Other than some excess of flash, the kit features exemplary surface detail throughout and the Ukrainian toolmakers can be commended for their prowess in producing such a fine set of parts. The pontoons have their upper surfaces co-joined via fine struts which may prove problematic when removing seam lines from the joined main sections. Decals provide a choice of three marine numbers in the correct font for the plain finish applicable to the options offered depicted in colour under the box. Aside from a few minor creases to the latter, this is a mint example of one of Roden's best Albatros kits with first-class instructions that include two useful rigging diagrams.
* The kit was reviewed in WINDSOCK Internatoional Volume 19, No.1, January/February 2003-please see the link below...
RODEN produced two kits of the Albatros W4 floatplane fighter and this is the first, representing the early version with ailerons on the mainplane and pontoon style floats: the later version- kit No.034-arrived shortly after with revised floats and naval hex camouflage decals. As might be expected, both kits feature many parts applicable to either one so you will have some spares left over. Surface detail is accurate and well represented, especially the framework on the large tailplane and convincing wing ribs overall, whilst the fuselage is equally impressive. Like most of these Roden kits there is a lot more flash than one usually gets so this needs to be taken care of. Alternatives include a choice of upper fuselage deckings, late lower wing panels with ailerons, and new runner M with finely-moulded wing struts; centre-section pylon; exhaust and control column. These early W4 biplanes bore a plain colour scheme of clear-doped linen flying and control surfaces, stained ply fuselage and light grey-painted metal areas. The decal sheet provides one set of national markings, a smattering of stencils and three marine numbers in correct style;747; 785 and 786. Content is mint and complete with all five crowded frames re-packaged in 'zip-loc' poly bags.
