Manufacturer: Special Hobby
Kit Number: SH48010
Kit Number: SH48010
In an era of delicate looking fighters such as the Nieuports and Hanriots, the SPAD series of fighters portrayed a more robust
and sinister look, much like the Bf-109 did when compared to the Spitfire. But make no mistake, the SPAD was all business.
To date, the SPAD VII has been released by Blue Max, which is all but impossible to obtain now and a real nice resin kit from JMGT of France. We now have a new SPAD VII C1 on the market, courtesy of Special Hobby from the Czech Republic. Actually, this is the second SPAD VII they have released (The first issue featured markings for two French and one Italian SPAD). This latest release provides markings for three machines; 1) a U.S. SPAD flown by Captain Charles Biddle of the 103rd Aero Squadron in April 1918, 2) a French SPAD flown by Vilém Stanovsky of SPA 158 during 1918 and 3) a 23rd Squadron, RFC machine based at La Lovie, France in 1917. Cartograf beautifully prints all the decals with perfect registration. However, the red used for the national insignia is a little too crimson and is best replaced with after-market markings.
All the plastic parts are moulded in a medium grey styrene and number 41 in all. Included are two choices of propeller as well as two styles of injection cowls and one resin cowl. One of the injection cowls is not for use on this kit and I suspect is a carry-over from their earlier release. The detail in delicate, yet defined and display moulding on par with the mainstream Japanese companies. I was especially pleased with the subtle way the fabric areas are rendered. They have convincing hills and valleys and not the Grand Canyon look of the Hasegawa Hurricane. The trailing edges to all flying surfaces are commendably thin and no flash is present on any of the parts. I would give Special Hobby top marks in moulding. The well detailed cockpit is made of 10 nicely cast resin parts and further detailed by way of photo-etched seat belts and various levers.
Test fitting indicates that this kit will assemble with a minimum of trouble and putty. It may be a limited run kit, but is sure does not look like one.
If I had to find anything negative to say, it would have to be in regard to the rigging diagram. It is there, so to speak, but I would have preferred a much clearer illustration. However, that being said, I would strongly endorse this kit for anyone with an interest in WWI aircraft. While the suggested retail price of $41.85 may sound high, you do get a nicely detailed SPAD for your money.
Review sample provided by Sky Grid
Review by Randy Lutz C4650
To date, the SPAD VII has been released by Blue Max, which is all but impossible to obtain now and a real nice resin kit from JMGT of France. We now have a new SPAD VII C1 on the market, courtesy of Special Hobby from the Czech Republic. Actually, this is the second SPAD VII they have released (The first issue featured markings for two French and one Italian SPAD). This latest release provides markings for three machines; 1) a U.S. SPAD flown by Captain Charles Biddle of the 103rd Aero Squadron in April 1918, 2) a French SPAD flown by Vilém Stanovsky of SPA 158 during 1918 and 3) a 23rd Squadron, RFC machine based at La Lovie, France in 1917. Cartograf beautifully prints all the decals with perfect registration. However, the red used for the national insignia is a little too crimson and is best replaced with after-market markings.
All the plastic parts are moulded in a medium grey styrene and number 41 in all. Included are two choices of propeller as well as two styles of injection cowls and one resin cowl. One of the injection cowls is not for use on this kit and I suspect is a carry-over from their earlier release. The detail in delicate, yet defined and display moulding on par with the mainstream Japanese companies. I was especially pleased with the subtle way the fabric areas are rendered. They have convincing hills and valleys and not the Grand Canyon look of the Hasegawa Hurricane. The trailing edges to all flying surfaces are commendably thin and no flash is present on any of the parts. I would give Special Hobby top marks in moulding. The well detailed cockpit is made of 10 nicely cast resin parts and further detailed by way of photo-etched seat belts and various levers.
Test fitting indicates that this kit will assemble with a minimum of trouble and putty. It may be a limited run kit, but is sure does not look like one.
If I had to find anything negative to say, it would have to be in regard to the rigging diagram. It is there, so to speak, but I would have preferred a much clearer illustration. However, that being said, I would strongly endorse this kit for anyone with an interest in WWI aircraft. While the suggested retail price of $41.85 may sound high, you do get a nicely detailed SPAD for your money.
Review sample provided by Sky Grid
Review by Randy Lutz C4650