Nieuport Ni-11
Weekend Edition
Eduard, 1/48 scale
S
u m m a r y |
Catalogue Number: |
Eduard Kit No. 8421 - Nieuport Ni-11 “Weekend Edition” |
Scale: |
1/48 |
Contents and Media: |
Olive coloured plastic parts; photo-etched parts; markings for one aircraft. |
Price: |
USD$19.95 plus shipping available online from Eduard's website
and specialist hobby retailers worldwide |
Review Type: |
FirstLook |
Advantages: |
Accurate outline; single piece wings with restrained rib detail and sharp trailing edges; crisp detail throughout with the inclusion of a bonus pilot figure. |
Disadvantages: |
Some decals out of register |
Recommendation: |
Eduard adds to their “Weekend Edition” range with an impressive rendition of this popular fighter. The omission of photo-etched parts allows this kit to be priced accordingly and thus offers good value for money. Given the high quality of the decal sheets in other Eduard releases, it can be assumed that the registration problems encountered here were an aberration. |
Reviewed by
Rob Baumgartner
Eduard's 1/48 scale Nieuport Weekend Edition is available online from Squadron.com
The aesthetic appeal of the Nieuport 11 is undeniable.
Due to its small size it was often referred to as the Bébé Nieuport. The flying qualities of this fighter were considered good enough to warrant quantity production and this occurred during the autumn of 1915. Surprisingly some of the first examples were delivered to the RNAS in early December.
The first operational unit to receive the Nie.11 was Escadrille N.3 on January 5 1916. By the first of February the total at the Front had reached 90 examples. It was powered by an 80hp Le Rhône engine and usually carried an armament of a single Lewis or Hotchkiss machine gun mounted above the top wing.
The type helped to stem the Fokker scourge and paved the way for a successful lineage of other fighters from the Nieuport stable.
Contents
This latest “Weekend Edition” release tackles the popular Nie. 11.
In common with the theme of the series, these kits forgo the “luxury” items seen in the “ProfiPACK” range. As such, the modeller receives 2 sprues of crisply moulded parts that contain a total of 72 tan coloured pieces. Complimenting this is a separately bagged windscreen and a decal sheet for one colourful option.
The moulds have stood the test of time well with sharp detail and very little, if any, flash. There are a couple of minor sink marks to rectify and these can be found on the headrest. Fortunately this area will not suffer any detail loss from the subsequent filling and sanding.
The cockpit of the Nie.11 was a simple affair and the contents of the kit reflect this. Seat, “throttle”, control column, rudder bar, and instruments are all par for the course but there are always extras that can be added. In this case, seat belts, pulsator, pressure pump, magneto, and the various bracing and control cables are all candidates.
Each wing is presented as a single piece with not a trace of distortion in sight. The ribs are subtle and the trailing edges are commendably thin. Many manufacturers overdo the tapes that are found on the struts but in this case they are realistically subdued. Don’t get these confused with the heavily strapped items used to attach the Le Prieur rocket mounts.
Three cowls are found in this offering so make sure you select the one that’s appropriate. Thinning the edges will give a more realistic effect and help the engine, complete with induction pipes, to fit snuggly inside.
The kit goes together quite quickly, thanks to the exclusion of photo-etched parts. The only thing that will slow the “weekender” down is the all important rigging. Fortunately it’s not too complicated and all is revealed in the instructions.
Accuracy is another factor that is imperative to modellers and here Eduard score very well. The main outlines match Ian Stair’s drawings precisely when overlaid in the Albatros Datafile Special on the subject. The preset lower wing dihedral is spot on, as is the angle of the swept back upper component.
As per the original boxing, we get the most welcome pilot figure.
Fortunately this Frenchman comes without the belly wound which one often sees on other examples in this scale.
Markings
A single colour scheme is catered for and this represents the mount of Paul Tarascon. He served in Escadrille N62 (amongst others) and ended the war with 12 confirmed victories. Probably the most remarkable aspect of his service is that it was all accomplished after he lost his right foot. This resulted from a flying accident in 1911.
Having survived the conflict, he served in the Resistance during WWII and finally passed away in 1977 at the age of 94.
The decals are very well printed although strangely for an Eduard release, the smaller roundels were out of register. Also included are the ever welcome instrument faces as well as a representation of the fuselage stitching.
The French and British were not the only ones to use the Nie.11.
It was also flown by the Italian, Belgian and Russian fighter units. As a result it makes this aircraft an ideal subject for kit manufacturers. The variety of colour schemes and markings are impressive and Eduard gives you a sound platform on which to apply them.
This, and the buildability of the kit, makes it an ideal addition to any modeller’s Air Force.
Thanks to Eduard for the sample
Review Text and Images Copyright © 2010 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 21 April, 2010
Last updated
21 April, 2010
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