Avia B.35.2
Czech Pre-war Fighter Prototype

RS Models, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

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The Avia B.35 was designed in 1937 by ing. F. Novotny as a successor to the B-534. It was a single engined low winged monoplane fighter with fixed undercarriage. The first prototype, B.35.1 was crashed and written off soon after being completed and it was left to the second, B.35.2 for the testing of engines and props but it also was written off while being tested by Bulgarian pilot in 1939. A third was built and the development of this was taken over by the Germans after the invasion. Although only three prototypes were built, it led to the more capable B.135 with retractable undercarriage.

Last year, RS Models released an Avia B.135. My review may be found by following this link http://www.hyperscale.com/2007/reviews/kits/rs92025reviewgp_1.htm

The “A” sprue in this kit, the B.35.2, is taken directly from the earlier B.135 with no alterations. Parts not for use here are so marked on the parts plan.

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In the earlier kit, the “B” sprue just had the parts for the three-piece wing but in this one it also carries the extra parts to build the B.35.2 such as fixed undercarriage, engine cover, three bladed Hamilton Standard prop and its spinner.

The “C” sprue, the one piece clear canopy and the Eduard pre-coloured PE fret are also straight from the earlier kit without alteration. As mentioned in the earlier review, the canopy is a little on the thick side and may be better left in one piece, which is a pity with all of that lovely pre-coloured PE in the interior.

Once again, the kit includes an excellent colour photo-etched fret produced by Eduard containing an authentic instrument panel and harness straps plus other details for the cockpit anf the exterior.

The decals, faultlessly printed by Boaagency, have markings for three aircraft. The first is Prototype No. 2 in Aluminium and Steel Grey in Czech markings at Prosinec, 1938. The second is again, I think No. 2 in the same colours with Luftwaffe markings, Listopad, 1939, and the third is shown also as No. 2 but I think it may be No. 3 in Czech three colour uppers and Aluminium/Steel Grey below in again Czech markings, 1940.

The only real criticism I can level at this kit, apart from the vagueness of the markings (B.35.3 is not mentioned anywhere) is the instructions. Although they are somewhat basic in their drawings, basic instructions can still give you a pretty good idea what things are and where they go. In some instances, the drawings look nothing like the parts they are supposed to represent and in some other kits, although not this one, they show parts being used which are for another kit entirely. As I've said before, because of the PE, these kits are not for the inexperienced but I believe even modellers with a few kits under their belts may be challenged by these instructions.  

Apart from the issues discussed above, I really like these RS Models kits. There will be a small amount of cleanup required but otherwise they are nicely moulded with good surface detail, excellent decals and the best photo-etched parts on the market.

I have more RS Models to review so watch this space.

Recommended to all but absolute beginners.

Thanks to RS Models for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Glen Porter
Page Created 5 March, 2008
Last updated 5 March, 2008

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