|
Albatros W.4
Roden
Roden's 1/72
scale Albatros W.4 is available online from Squadron.com
S
u m m a r y
|
| Catalogue Number: |
Roden 1/72 scale Albatros W.4 |
| Scale: |
1/72 |
| Contents and Media: |
See text below |
| Price: |
USD$7.96 from Squadron.com
|
| Review Type: |
FirstLook |
| Advantages: |
Excellent research, attention
to detail, delicate parts. |
| Disadvantages: |
Sink marks on radiator grill. |
| Recommendation: |
Recommended |
Reviewed by Robert Baumgartner
Despite its extensive use in the areas of the Baltic and North Sea, the
W.4 has largely been neglected in the modeling world.
Since Roden had already released an Albatros D.I/D.II, it seemed logical
to assume that a W.4 was just around the corner. Finally it is here, and a
most welcome addition it is too.
Contents
The kit represents the earliest version of the W.4. The three kitted
machines are from the first production batch.
The parts closely match Ian Stair’s plans in the Seaplane issue of
Windsock magazine, as well as comparing favorably with published
photographs.
The box contains five sprues of light gray plastic, three of which are
new. The parts have excellent detail and no ejection pin marks need
cleaning up. Sprues A and Z are the familiar ones and despite their long
usage, these molds do not appear to have deteriorated. The generic early
Albatros fuselage of previous releases is supplied with the instructions
clearly illustrating which details need removing for this variant.
As usual, the spares box gets more goodies in the way of an engine and
machine guns.
Click the thumbnails below
to view larger images:
The W.4 gave the pilot a superb view from the cockpit thanks to an
increased wing gap. As such, longer struts are needed and these are
supplied on sprue M. These struts are near scale thickness so extreme care
is needed not to break them. If you do manage to break one, spares from
the aileron wing linkage intended for the “late type” W.4 will help. A new
exhaust is provided as well as control column and rudder bar.
Being a seaplane fighter, we must have floats. Sprue K contains these and
they are of the correct first batch type. Easy assembly is assured thanks
to the floats already having the spreader bar molded between them.
Windhoff radiators are present but those supplied will need their
sinkholes filled. Sadly this will affect the nice grill detail.
The wings are found on sprue H and feature Roden’s lovely subtle rib
effect. The cross sections and trailing edges are wonderfully thin, the
latter being the cause of a little flash. This is easily eliminated as
part of the normal cleaning up process. The larger tail plane is also
catered for, complete with molded on control horns.
Further evidence of the late W.4 can also be found with the aileron-fitted
lower wings and upper wing radiator.
Decals
Markings are provided for all three of the initial production batch
with “747” being the prototype. The other two are numbered “784” and
“785”.
All three examples are finished with a varnished plywood fuselage and
natural linen flying surfaces. The floats are assumed to have been painted
in the same gray green colour that was used for the nose panels and
spinner.
Due to the nature of the aircraft, the decal sheet is not as large as some
of Roden’s other releases. My example was well printed and in perfect
register. Take care when using the decals though, as past experience has
shown them to be prone to silvering and not wanting to adhere to their
intended surface.
This is a great kit of a much-ignored subject. With other later
versions of the W.4 to come, Roden will allow the modeller to collect the
complete series of this important seaplane.
Recommended
Thanks to
Squadron.com for the review
sample.
Review and Images Copyright © 2002 by
Robert Baumgartner
Page Created 30 December, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003
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