Fairey Gannet Wing Fold

for Trumpeter's Gannet kits
 

Alley Cat, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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Alley Cat is a new brand from the A2Zee Models stable, which also produces FAA Models accessories.

The first 1/72 scale offering in the Alley Cat range is a full wing fold set for Trumpeter's 1/72 scale Fairey Gannet kit

This is a complete replacement for Trumpeter's wings comprising 44 parts in grey, pale cream and black coloured resin.

The main parts are the six wing sections. These are cast in a single piece each, with deep and authentic detail cast inside the wing folds.

Hinges, covers and small details are cast as separate parts. Some of these are very fine and delicate. On my sample, both of the long wing supports were broken, but these will be simple to repair using stretched sprue or, preferably, more robust lengths of fine metal rod or steel wire.

The inboard wing stubs are engineered to fit directly into the locating slots on Trumpeter's fuselage, so this should be a nice secure join. The join between the inboard and centre wing fold sections will be more delicate, as it is supported by only two thin resin pieces. I recommend using two-part epoxy for this join. It might be worth considering fabricating stronger hinges from metal wire too. This would be very simple, as the hinges are round in profile - just a matter of bending and cutting some appropriate width wire.

Casting quality is superb. This is hardly surprising as the parts were prepared in co-operation with Czech Master Resin, whose reputation for quality in 1/72 scale resin kits is second to none.

Instructions are supplied on three sides of two A4 sheets, and comprise a parts layout, construction diagrams and reference photos. They are very well done.

Some previous experience with resin accessories will be essential, but there is nothing too challenging in construction if you take your time and reinforce joins as you see fit.

Alley Cat's Gannet Wing Fold Set is comprehensive, beautifully detailed and will transform the appearance of your model with its concertinaed flying surfaces.
 
Highly Recommended.

Thanks to A2Zee Models for the review sample

Alley Cat and FAA Models' accessories are available from A2Zee Models  website

or from their Ebay store http://www.stores.ebay.co.uk/a2zee-models

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2007 by Brett Green
Page Created 06 June, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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