Northrop N-9MA

by Darius Aibara

Sword's 1/48 scale N-9MA is available online from Squadron.com

This is a 1/48 scale, limited run injection moulded model of the single seat Northrop N-9MA as kitted by Sword Models.

I was lucky enough to be at the Planes of Fame airshow at Chino in 2000 and saw their N9-MB flying with Steve Hinton at the controls - an amazing aircraft and pilot. I could not resist getting this model when I saw it at a stall at the recent Flying Legends air display at Duxford, UK this year - and built it within several days!

The kit has few parts but is well engineered and detailed. I replaced the moulded undercarriage door actuators with stainless steel rod.

Beware, this model is a tail sitter (does it have a tail?). Next time I will add some weight next to the intakes forward of the main gear. Fortunately there is a rear outrigger which just about prevents the model from tipping back!

The yellow is spray can painted Humbol RAF Trainer Yellow and the underside blue is a mix of PRU and Roundel Blue brush applied which kind of approximate to the colours in my memory and the photos in the excellent "Northrop Flying Wings" article in Volume 2 of "Wings of Fame".

There are only three decals - two Stars and Bars for the wings and one Northrop Logo for the "nose". In place of the "Stars and Bars" I used some US Army roundels from the spares box. 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2002 by Darius Aibara
Page Created 19 September, 2002
Last Updated 04 June, 2007

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