1:48 scale engines
Le Rhone 9J
Mercedes D.I
Oberursel Ur.II

Taurus Models

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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Injection moulded plastic can yield some very detailed parts these days.

But for that extra “wow” factor, nothing beats resin. This material allows the designer to introduce a greater deal of finesse into each item. This is especially apparent when smaller parts are involved. So using this medium, Taurus Models have created a line of 1:48 scale replica engines that can readily be displayed in dioramas or as a standalone feature.

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Le Rhone 9J kit # D4804

Comprising of 74 resin pieces, this kit is enhanced further by a fret of 12 photo-etched items. Each part is superbly cast with no air bubbles or imperfections.

The Le Rhone represented here possessed 9 cylinders and the manufacturer sensibly supplies the parts in groups of 5 on the casting blocks. This is important as it provides a valuable set of spares for when the inevitable “carpet monster” claims a victim during the removal and cleanup process.

An instruction sheet gives the builder an idea where everything should go but additional reference material will be required for the precise placement of parts.

Mercedes D.I kit # D480

Manufactured in dark grey resin, this kit contains a total of 78 parts. Once again the detail is superb and the casting flawless. No photo-etched fret is supplied and nor is it needed.

As with the other 3 kits presented here, a trestle is provided and in this instance we get a packing crate as well. The instructions show photos of the completed model but these are too small to use for assembly purposes. So once again another source of reference is needed for precise assembly.

Oberursel Ur. II kit # D4803

Because the Oberursel was basically a copy of the Le Rhone, this kit contains the same parts as # D4804 above.

The 74 resin parts are up to the same very high standards as seen in the other examples. And of course there are the extra parts found on the casting blocks thanks to these being made in groups of 5 when only 9 are needed.

The photo-etched fret has been renamed for the Oberursel but naturally it contains the same items as used for the Le Rhone.

The detail in these kits has to be seen to be believed and the intelligent use of photo etched parts adds an extra dimension.

There were no manufacturing defects in any of the items, and their removal from the casting blocks shouldn’t pose any problems. For the precise location of some of the smaller parts, additional reference material will be needed. Fortunately the Internet can readily provide this information.

With each kit having its own stand, these items are perfect for either a diorama or individual display.

Thanks to Taurus Model for the samples

Taurus Models products are available online from their website

Text Copyright © 2012 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 18 June, 2012
Last updated 18 June, 2012

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