Bugatti 100P

Planet Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Planet Models' 1/72 scale Bugatto 100P is available online from Squadron.com

The Bugatti 100P was designed in 1937 by a Belgian called Louis de Monge for Ettore Bugatti, the famous sports and racing car builder.  The aircraft was apparently built in response to French air ministry contract, one version being intended as a speed record setter and the other as a fighter.

The Bugatti 100P was nearing completion when Germany invaded France in 1940. It was hidden in a barn near the property of M. Bugatti, where it remained for nearly thirty years. Regrettably it never flew, but after passing through several owners it ended up EAA Museum in Oshkosh (Pioneer Airport), Wisconsin, USA.

I have read a few articles about the 100P, and they all say it was extremely advanced. Like Luftwaffe 46 subjects, I think there is sometimes a tendency to rave about what might have been when contemplating exotic looking designs that never flew.

In my opinion, aside form its obvious aesthetic appeal, the design seems rather poorly thought out. For a start, two back to back V8 engines producing a total of only about 900 hp would hardly set any records in the late 1930’s when there had already been 2,000 hp floatplanes doing over 400 mph. From a military standpoint,  two small engines that barely approach the power of one V-12 then typically being used or planned for many fighters of the period, does not seem too promising. Several other aircraft had problems with long drive shafts and I should thing the 100P would have had them too. How this tiny plane could have been adapted for serious military utility I am unsure. Finally, the designer’s estimated top speed of 885kmh or 531 mph is clearly ludicrous.

So in my view the Bugatti 100P was probably a case of style over substance – but oh what style! Consequently I must confess to being delighted such an elegant and interesting plane should be kitted (will someone please do it in 1/72 scale?).

Planet Models' 1/48 scale Bugatti 100P comes packaged in a stout top-opening box with appealing box art. The parts are in heat sealed plastic bags. Straightforward instructions consist of one A4 page giving the aircraft history in Czech and English. The parts map and constructional illustrations are photos of the actual kit being built and are very clear to follow. No colour call-outs are given for the detail parts, but the box art and internet images will serve this purpose. The airframe colour call-outs are “Gloss Blue” and “Black”. An FS number or paint brand number for the blue would have been more helpful, but again the box-art and internet will guide paint selection.  No decals are provided as none are needed.

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The design of the kit is very well thought out. In fact the wings, tail and fuselage are cast as one piece, and dominate the kit contents. The remaining resin parts cater for the cockpit interior, undercarriage doors, wheels, exhausts and props. The white metal undercarriage is well cast and a good idea given the solid resin airframe. Thoughtfully two vac formed canopies are provided, allowing for practice or insurance depending on how you look at it.

All the resin parts are typical for modern Planet kits with barely a pinhole to be seen, fine engraved surface detail (not much to be seen as the 100P had smooth wooden laminate construction), and adequate cockpit detail for the scale. There are some good images of the original plane on the internet which will enable builders to add more cockpit detail if they wish.  Surprisingly Planet have missed casting an air inlet on the fuselage top just behind the canopy, this is quite prominent and will need to be fabricated (fairly easy to do). Less significant is that the wing root intakes are circular in shape when they should be oval. Again easy to fix if this bothers you.

Planet Model' 1/48 scale Bugatti 100P is delightful kit of a delightful subject that would serve as an ideal introduction to resin kit building. As a dedicated 1/72 builder I am sorely tempted to take a walk on the dark side and build this one – It’s elegant enough to reside outside of a my model cabinet full of 1/72 models and be displayed as an ornament in its own right. So I will finish here and go and check my wife’s china and antiques cabinet for space…..

Thanks to MPM / Special Hobby for the review sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Mark Davies
Images from Modelimex website
Page Created 31 December, 2008
Last updated 31 December, 2008

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