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Morane-Saulnier MS.405

 

AZ Models, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y
Catalogue Number: AZ Models 4821 - Morane-Saulnier MS.405 C-1
Scale: 1/48
Contents and Media: 38 parts in tan coloured styrene; 2 parts in clear vacform; 20 parts in pale yellow resin; 1 photo-etched fret; three marking options
Price: From £23.82 available online from Hannants
AUD$48.00 available online from NKR Models
and specialist hobby retailers worldwide.
Review Type: FirstLook
Advantages: Excellent detail; fine, crisp recessed surface features; useful and easy to follow instructions; effective use of multimedia.
Disadvantages: Some modelling skills will be required
Recommendation: Recommended

 

Reviewed by Brett Green


HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

 

FirstLook

 

The Morane-Saulnier MS. 406 was the most important French fighter of the Second World War, and was produced in larger numbers than any of its country's fighter counterparts.

Prior to the MS. 406, Morane-Saulnier developed the MS. 405. This was produced in small quantities - prototypes and pre-production only. Compared to the mass-produced MS. 406, the MS. 405 as depicted by this kit featured a different wing structure, a two bladed propeller driving a less powerful engine and an alternate radiator arrangement.

AZ Model's 1/48 scale Morane-Saulnier MS. 405 kit comprises 38 parts in tan coloured styrene, 2 parts in clear; 17 parts in pale yellow resin; 1 photo-etched fret; and two marking options.

The plastic is very well done, with a satin texture and crisply recessed panel lines. The fabric texture on the rear of the fuselage is subtle and convincing. The outside surfaces are not troubled by any moulding imperfections on my sample. Flash is almost non-existent on this model. However, there are no locating pins so time and care will be required to ensure accurate alignment of parts.

 

  • AZ Models 1/48 scale Morane-Saulnier MS.405 Review by Brett Green: Image
  • AZ Models 1/48 scale Morane-Saulnier MS.405 Review by Brett Green: Image
  • AZ Models 1/48 scale Morane-Saulnier MS.405 Review by Brett Green: Image
  • AZ Models 1/48 scale Morane-Saulnier MS.405 Review by Brett Green: Image
  • AZ Models 1/48 scale Morane-Saulnier MS.405 Review by Brett Green: Image
  • AZ Models 1/48 scale Morane-Saulnier MS.405 Review by Brett Green: Image
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The resin parts are perfectly moulded and well detailed. These include cockpit details, undercarriage parts and a spinner.

 

 

The photo-etched fret offers harness straps and instrument panels for the cockpit, plus small detail parts for the airframe.

The canopy is provided as a vacform part. A spare is also supplied in case of slip-ups with the hobby knife.

 

 

Construction should be quite straightforward thanks to the small parts count and conventional parts breakdown.

Three marking options are provided, all in a simple scheme of Dark Green and Light Grey.

 

 

Conclusion

 

AZ Model's 1/48 scale Morane-Saulnier MS. 405 is a well detailed and well executed kit.

The absence of locating pins and the limited run production means that this model will be best suited for those who have had some previous experience, but the kit should be within the capabilities of most modellers.

Recommended.

Thanks to Legato  / AZ Models for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Brett Green
Page Created 20 May, 2008
Last updated 20 May, 2008

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