Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin

Copper State Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

G.W.H.s 1/48 scale T-33A Shooting Star will be available online from Squadron.com

The Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin was a British fighter aircraft manufactured by the Sopwith Aviation Company. It was used by the Royal Flying Corps and its successor, the Royal Air Force, during the First World War.

The Dolphin entered service on the Western Front in early 1918 and proved to be a formidable fighter.

The aircraft was not retained in the postwar inventory, however, and was retired shortly after the war.

A total of 2,072 Dolphin Mk I aircraft were produced by Sopwith, Darracq Motor Engineering Co. and Hooper & Co. Approximately 1,500 Dolphins were stored awaiting engines at the time of the Armistice. These incomplete airframes were eventually scrapped. *

Copper State Models

Copper State Models was originally an American cottage industry manufacturer of WWI aircraft kits and accessories. Its models were generally a multimedia mix of resin and white metal parts.

A recent change of ownership has led to a change in direction. Still focused on WWI subjects, the company is now revisiting the Copper State Models back catalogue and restoring the kits.

They are also launching a series of all-new injection moulded plastic models.

Here is how the new Copper State Models describe themselves on their website:

"We are group of WWI scale modelling enthusiasts from two continents and six countries united by common interests and hobby. We produce the finest quality World War One aeroplane multimedia resin kits in 1:48 and aftermarket accessories in 1:72, 1:48, 1:32, and 1:28 scales. Our high-quality 1:48 scale multimedia kits contain resin, and NiAg Photo-Etch (PE) parts, and include decals for the appropriate colour schemes. Some of the kits include WM parts. When documentation exists for interior details they will be provided for you, but please note that some minor parts may need to be made from scratch (such as tailskids, control sticks etc.). Most of our kits will be the first time these aircraft have been produced in 1:48 scale.

Since we took over the CSM from the founder Mr Eric R. Hight of Phoenix, Arizona who is still an inspiration to us, we have sent all master kits for the restoration. Unfortunately two 1/48 master kits were run down completely and to be re-built from the scratch.

Please note that all of us at CSM have daytime jobs and families.

The Copper State Models SIA. as company registered in Latvia (EU)."

Copper State Models' very first injection moulded plastic kit is a 1/48 scale Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin.

The model is available in Standard and Premium boxings. The Premium version includes resin parts, hollow metal exhausts and additional marking options. We are reviewing the Premium version here tonight.

Copper State Models' 1/48 scale Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin Premium comprises 66 parts in medium grey plastic, five parts in grey resin, two parts in hollow metal (exhausts), 1 printed acetate clear sheet (windscreen), more than 80 parts on one nickel plated photo-etched fret and markings for four aircraft.

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This is a deeply impressive first effort. The quality of moulding is excellent with no flash and narrow sprue attachment points. Ejector pin circles are generally limited to areas that will not be seen on the finished model.

Surface textures are beautifully restrained. The stretched fabric effect is some of the best I have seen in this scale, and Copper State has ambitiously yet subtly tackled fabric stitching and stringers with complete success.

I was also impressed with the representation of the elastic bungee chords moulded on the undercarriage legs.

Inside the model, the wicker seat and lap belts are made up from photo-etched parts. Interior rigging and additional photo-etched parts add further detail to the interior.

The Premium Edition includes five resin parts for a nicely detailed Hispano-Suiza aero engine. The top cowling is a separate part, so you may leave this off to display the engine if you wish.

The hollow metal exhausts are truly things of beauty. They are ready to use straight from the box and in my opinion won't need any further painting or weathering.

The lower wings are supplied as separate halves, while the upper wing is full-width. There are deep, crisp locating holes in the wings for the eight interplane struts. In a clever piece of engineering, Copper State supplies flower-like photo-etched locating points for the rigging. These are glued to the locating pins of the struts, which are then glued to the locating holes in the wings. They are also supplied for the diminutive cabane struts.

The instructions are presented very much in the style of Wingnut Wings - clear, concise colour keyed illustrations broken down into twelve steps of assembly and painting. Colour callouts are made throughout.

Also in the style of Wingnut Wings is the rigging diagram.

Markings

Markings are supplied for four Dolphins. All four are finished in PC10 and Clear Doped Linen.

The decals are well printed and in register. The finish is glossy. There is no clue as to who printed the decals.

This is a gem of a kit. Detail is excellent, moulding quality is first class, engineering is clever, the instructions are a joy and the whole package exudes quality.

The real proof will be in the building, but with approrpriate care and plenty of test fitting, Copper State's 1/48 scale Dolphin should deliver an impressive result.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Copper State Models for the sample

*Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Brett Green
Page Created 25 May, 2016
Last updated 26 May, 2016

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