Avro 621 Tutor
"In Service with British Universities

AZ Models, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

The RAF needed a replacement for the Avro 504N trainer.

This role was filled by the Avro 621 Tutor which was first flown in 1929. Production amounted to 381 aircraft with a further 15 built as Sea Tutors. The latter aircraft was constructed with floats to give the Royal Navy a seaplane version.

Many countries operated the type so there is plenty of potential for different colour schemes. This incarnation from AZ models represents an aircraft in British “University Service”.

The kit comprises of 30 injected moulded plastic parts. These are supplemented by two items in resin, a fret of coloured etched metal and a pre-printed acetate sheet for the windscreens.

• 
• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

Considering the final colour of your machine, the finish must be flawless. Fortunately the contents of the box give you a good head start with only minor cleanup necessary on the plastic pieces.

The detail is very good with the fuselage exhibiting some delicate engraving and subtle stringer detail. The wings have sharp trailing edges and the ribs are represented by raised tapes. Some may choose to make this latter feature less obvious by running over it with a couple of swipes of sandpaper.

The leading edges slats come as separate parts which is a very welcome touch.

The cockpit contains a resin floorboard, plastic seats, and both control columns. This is enhanced by the interior structure shown on the fuselage halves and the excellent colour etched seatbelts and instruments. Still, there is plenty that the detailer can add here.

The other resin item is the engine and this will look good suitably painted behind the propeller. The struts are commendably thin yet will still be strong enough for their purpose.

Two marking options are catered for on the decal sheet, one for Cambridge University and the other for Oxford. The standard of printing is first class. There are no registration problems whatsoever and the carrier film is as thin as one is ever likely to come across. As a result care will be needed when applying and decal setting solutions are not needed.

A rigging diagram can be found on the instruction sheet and happily this leaves nothing to the imagination.

This is a great little package and one that tempts the modeller to start building it straight away.

The kit should build easily into your chosen scheme but remember to ensure adequate pinning of the lower wings. The coloured p-e greatly enhances the product and with the colourful subject matter this release is sure to be a winner.

Thanks to Legato  / AZ Models for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 22 April, 2008
Last updated 22 April, 2008

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page