Breguet 14 A2/B2
"in Finnish Service"

AZ Models, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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The Breguet 14 comes in many guises. For the kit manufacturer this can be a blessing as well as a curse.

On the plus side, there are many different variants that can be released. On the other hand, the myriad of details can easily lead one astray. Fortunately AZ Model has done some homework.

For the “In Finnish Service” embodiment of this aircraft, most of the obvious features are catered for. It is up to the modeller to decide if the more subtle areas need to be replicated.

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Thumbnail panels:

There are 43 plastic parts although not all will be used. This is the standard fare from previous releases but now the modeller gets 12 pieces of resin to help with the conversion.

The included fret of photo-etched metal will greatly elevate the detailing and a pre-printed acetate sheet takes care of the transparencies.

Many moons ago, Ian Stair produced a set of general arrangement drawings for this aircraft. A comparison of the major components found these to match the plans exactly.

All of the plastic items were well moulded with the only sink mark being on a part buried from view. The wings show a delicate representation of the rib detail and the trailing edges are commendably thin.

Inside the fuselage halves, one finds a representation of the interior structure. To this is added a number of p-e items that include the floor (with transparency framing), foot plates, and instrument panel. After the seats and control column are installed, it is obvious that a lot of detail can still be added by the modeller.

Speaking of photo-etched components, these come into their own when used for the rear machine gun mounts. Although fiddly, they are well worth the effort to assemble and look great on the finished product.

The usual Breguet 14 A2/B2 instruction sheet is provided with an extra leaflet catering for this release. It shows the modifications that have to be made to portray the two supplied decal options but not in the detail that the modeller requires.

Thoughtfully an informative rigging diagram is supplied although the areas relating to the skis are a little vague. Not even the boxtop can help out here as it’s missing some of the crucial wires.

Marking Options

On the rear of the box there are two options to choose from. All are shown with the latter shortened version of the radiator.

The first aircraft featured is a SIDAM-built A2 with the Finnish code “3A6”. It had a long service life and went through many guises. That featured depicts its 1923 appearance when flown by Sgt. 1/C Eino Juurikas.

The symbol on the side comes from Finnish mythology and represents the figure “Louhi”.

Note that the single carburettor intake has been replaced by a couple of smaller ones.

The instructions inform you of this alteration and ask you to remove all the louver detail in this area. Photographs however, show that some of them remained in tact.

It should also be noted that a screen in front of the observers cut-out should also be added. Another point shown by images of this aircraft is that the National insignia is located further towards the wing tips than on other Finnish machines. The instructions show these markings in the standard position.

The second choice sees a Breguet-built A2 assigned the Finnish code 2C467. It too had a long service life and thus took many forms. Also depicted in 1923, the markings and finer details on this aircraft are a little more problematical as references are ambiguous on the issue.

In late January 1922 its Finnish serial number changed from 2B467 to 3A1 and the numeral on the nose was changed from “II” to “VII”.

The application of these Roman numbers is believed to have been introduced in 1921.

It was seen with and without skis and the name “ANSSIN JUKKA” was applied on the left side of the fuselage, along with an image of a “thug”. As well as all of the above, the right side showed a representation of the devil chasing a bag attached to his tail, this happening while circling a pole.

When and if, these marking appeared at the time you wish to model your aircraft is up to you. AZ Models have decided that nearly all of these were present in its 1923 form.

The decal sheet itself is perfect. The register is spot-on and the minimal carrier film will allow the decals to become one with the surface.

This is a great package let down only by the inconsistent instructions.

Excellent use is made of the resin and photo-etched items and the colour schemes chosen are first class. The basic kit is accurate according to available data so there is no reason to believe that this should not build into a stunning model.

Thus it’s highly recommended for modellers wishing to build a Breguet 14 that is a little different from the rest.

Thanks to Legato  / AZ Models for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 25 April, 2008
Last updated 25 April, 2008

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