Airfix 1/48 scale
Supermarine Walrus

by Eduardo Mamoretti

Supermarine Walrus

The Supermarine Walrus was a four-seat amphibious reconnaissance aircraft of British origin developed for use from embarked catapults by R.J. Mitchell (father of the Spitfire), prior to World War II, and was widely used until the end of said conflict.

Argentina acquired a total of 10 devices, in two stages between 1940 (2 units) and 1950 (8 remaining), destined for the Navy.

The model is from the 1/48 Airfix line, (new tool), although ambitious in terms of the level of detail, the engineering is not complicated by the intelligent assembly strategy that the manufacturer proposes, (I recommend not deviating from it) .

For example, the fuselage is designed as roof, sides and keel in four large separate pieces, which does not conflict with the convenience of assembly, since there is no distortion in the large pieces. The plastic is a bit soft, however, it does not clog abrasives during sanding or degrade under cautiously applied liquid cement, and it successfully captures the surface details of the model's exceptional molding.

No extraordinary amount of putty was required during assembly.

Very good interior also for super detailed devotees, but without figures. Comes with separate control surfaces and  with the options of open or closed cabins, (the transparent parts are of high quality and include the molded windshield wiper).

Raises the decision of choosing to do it with the wings folded backwards, like many naval aircraft of the time, and with the side wheels retracted “flight/navigation mode” or with both landing gears positioned so that the plane rests on the ground.

Another option is inflated or “flattened” wheels due to weight.

A rigging diagram is provided in the assembly brochure.

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2023 by Eduardo Mamoretti
Page Created 14 December, 2023
Last Updated 14 December, 2023

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