Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin

Wingnut Wings, 1/32 scale

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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. *

* Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia

Wingnut Wing continues its Yuletide tradition this year with another surprise release - a 1/32 scale Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin.

Wingnut Wings’ 1/32 scale Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin comprises just 115 parts in grey injection moulded plastic, nine parts in clear, 13 parts on a single photo-etched fret and markings for five aircraft.

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In common with their earlier releases, Wingnut Wings' Dolphin features outstanding representation of stretched fabric, rib baton and general surface texture; plus raised details where appropriate.

The cockpit and Hispano-Suiza engine are built up inside side frames, which are moulded with hydraulic lines and other cockpit detail in pace. A rigging diagram is included for the interior frames. A wicker seat is included. Considering the limitations of injection moulded technology, the seat really does look great.

We have seen this Hisso engine in some previous releases. It is very well detailed straight from the box.

Kit engineering is relatively conventional with the lower wings moulded as a single full span part (the cockpit floor and lower frames are moulded on the top centre of this part), while the negative-staggered upper wings are supplied as one part each.

There are eight indvidual interplane struts. Locating positions are positive. This potentially tricky configuration is assisted by a nice rigid frame over the cockpit opening instead of the more conventional cabane struts. The ends of the frames are designed to be inserted in the roots of the upper wing halves.

The horizontal tail is a single part with the elevators moulded in the neutral position.

The photo-etched fret offers harness straps, cocking handles and gunsight rings.

Options include two different propellers, two styles of wing centre section frames, alternative positions for the Lewis guns, different cocking handles, and optional 20kg Carbonit bombs.

The wheels are supplied in plastic, including wheels and covers.

The clear parts are thin and free from distortion.

The 24 page instruction booklet is presented in the same format as its predecessors, with 3D construction views supplemented by generous reference photos of wartime machines.

Marking Options

Five marking options are provided in various combinations of PC10 Dope, Linen and grey.

The single decal sheet is printed by Cartograf. It is in perfect register and feature thin surrounds.

As always, Wingnut Wings extracts the best possible results from plastic moulding technology thanks to their exemplary research, brilliant digital modelling and eagle-eyed supervision of the mould cutting, toolmaking and production process.

The result is a series of kits that has inspired many modellers who might not have previously considered building either a WWI subject or a 1/32 scale model to try something different.

The Dolphin manages the apparently incongruous achievements of a modest part count and a high level of detail. Furthermore, despite its eight individual interplane struts, the thoughtful design means that this model should be well within the capabilities of a moderately experienced modeller.

A logical follow-up to the Camel but a real surprise nevertheless, Wingnut Wings' 1/32 scale Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin meets the same high standard as its predecessors and is a welcome addition to the range.

Thanks to Wingnut Wings for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2017 by Brett Green
Page Created 11 December, 2017
Last updated 18 December, 2017

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