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Normal–Segelapparat 1894
Otto Lilienthal

Contact Resine, 1/32 scale

S u m m a r y

Catalogue Number: Contact Resine - Normal–Segelapparat 1894 Otto Lilienthal
Scale: 1/32
Contents and Media: Multimedia seletion of wood and resin parts.
Price: 30 € plus 6.90 € shipping . Available online from Contact Resine
Review Type: FirstLook
Advantages:

Finely executed laser-cut wood; well cast blemish free resin; inclusion of a figure with a good natural pose; thin “tissue” paper to replicate the fragile covering.

Disadvantages:

Instructions need improvement; some missing parts.

Recommendation:

The delicate structure of this famous glider is brought to life via the intelligent use of multi-media materials. You may need to find additional reference material to complete the model but it will be worth the chase.


Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner


Eduard's 1/48 scale Fokker D.VII MAG Dual Combo is available online from Squadron.com
 

FirstLook

 

Background

Before the Wright brothers, there was Otto Lilienthal.

He was a pioneer of heavier-than-air flight and flew more than 2000 times in designs of his own making. These self-made gliders were similar to the hang gliders of today where the pilot controls the craft by adjusting his centre of gravity.

Lilienthal’s first experiments in aviation started in 1885. He carefully studied the flight of birds and this is clearly reflected in his machines. The success of his unpowered accomplishments was reported around the world, and he even published a book that detailed his theories.

It all came to an end 11 years later when Lilienthal broke his spine. The glider he was testing lost its lift and fell from a height of 17 metres. He died the following day on 10 August 1896.


 

Contents

Coming in a sturdy cardboard box, this multi-media kit contains a selection of wood and resin parts. The former has been laser-cut and is the ideal way to represent the framework of the original glider.
Also included is a sheet of very fine “tissue” paper, and two pages of instructions.

 

 

The wood is extremely delicate so take care when removing the waste. Fortunately this falls away easily thanks to the precise pre-cutting of the laser. Slots are provided for the vertical members and predrilled holes make rigging a breeze.

Frustratingly, the stabilizer was missing from my example as well as one of the ribs.

A resin figure is included in this release, which is the perfect way to demonstrate how the glider was used. The casting is very good with no air bubbles present in any of the parts. There is plenty of character in the face and the representation of the beard, moustache, and offset cap are especially pleasing.

To give something for Lilienthal to stand on, a mound is also supplied in this material.

The covering for the wings must reflect the fragility of the original...and it does. The paper used is very thin, with the modeller merely having to trace around the framework and glue it to the structure. Weathering will add some extra realism to the material and this can be accomplished with both washes and pastels.

The instructions are the only area that fall short of the mark. While the printed colour photographs show the important stages of construction, they are too small and indistinct for the task at hand. Likewise the text, which appears to have been translated by a poor software package. An example being “Make recoveries with the aerographer of amount of the structure colour drink”...huh?

 



 

Conclusion

 

Overall this is an extremely impressive package.

The kit captures the essence of the aircraft very well and the materials used are perfect for their job.
By providing a figure of Lilienthal, an instant diorama is born and also presents an ideal base for displaying the glider.

It’s an inspiring choice of subject and one that will prove popular to all lovers of early aviation.

Thanks to Contact Resine for the sample


Review Text and Images Copyright © 2010 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 1 June, 2010
Last updated 3 June, 2010

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