SNCASE SE-100 by Piotr Dmitruk (Planet Models 1/72)

Planet Models' 1/72 scale
SNCASE SE-100

by Pitor Dmitruk

SNCASE SE-100 La Limande

Planet Models' 1/72 scale SNCASE SE-100 is available online from Squadron.com

Background

In 1936, the French Armee de l’Air issued a request for proposal for a new twin-engined heavy fighter aircraft. Amongst the proposals was Loire et Olivier LeO-50, Pierre-Ernest Merciers and Jacques Lecarmes project, which after the factory’s nationalization was renamed SNCASE SE-100.

The main requirement of the specification was aerodynamic cleanliness. Maybe this was the reason for choosing such unusual undercarriage arrangement, with its big main wheel and two auxillary wheels retracting into vertical stabilisers. The other strange feature of this project was the slanting ailerons at the ends of the wings.

After the series of flight trials, some modifications were made, but on the April 5 1940 the first prototype crashed killing the crew. The second prototype, as well as series production aircraft, were not built due to the outbreak of war.

Construction

This is typical Planet Models kit - creamy colored resin parts with just few air bubbles fit very well, but it is simplified in some areas. The fuselage walls are thick, but the cockpit interior fits correctly to this, so you can drill the fuselage and make interior from scratch, or leave it as it is. Eventually, after painting dark blue, nothing can be seen through the windows.

Transparencies are not ideal, I used the kit supplied cockpit canopy, but made side and bottom windows myself. You need to glue in the main undercarriage leg first, as it is impossible to do this after closing the fuselage. To be honest, it is not possible even before closing. It is too thick for the wheel well, and needs to be modified. Attaining the correct geometry of the gear leg is the other problem. This assembly then needs to be secured, preventing it from breaking.

The wing halves fit very well, even butt-joined but the empennage is a different story. No locating pins make for weak joins and the geometry is hard to maintain. You need to add a scratchbuilt ventral fin, ommited by manufacturer.

Painting and Markings

After installing the engines and masking the transparencies, the model is ready for painting.

But be aware! Here comes the kits major shortcoming. The decal sheet offers tricolor markings only for ONE rudder. Not able to paint it in exact color, I was forced to paint all the French markings.

After painting you need to add several details including landing light, pitot tube, propellers and cannon. When adding the auxiliary landing gear legs, remember to reinforce the join - resin models are heavy.

If you like unusual subjects, and are not afraid to do some additional work - here is the kit for you.

Have fun!