Vautour II A

Hi Tech

Hi Tech's 1/48 scale Vautour IIA is available online at Squadron.com

Reviewed by Brett Green

Hi Tech's new 1/48 scale Vautour IIA joins the dual-seat IIN (as reviewed previously on HyperScale by Dale Smith) released some months ago.

In common with the earlier release, the single-seater Vautour is a multi-media feast. 26 parts in grey styrene are complimented by 15 excellent resin pieces, 14 in white metal and a photoetched fret. The model is well packed in a stout box, with resin and metal parts protected by resealable bubblewrap bags.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The styrene is typical of Hi Tech's standard. Panel line detail is crisply engraved but the surface suffers from a slightly rough finish overall. A light sanding with 400 grit abrasive paper, followed by 1000 grit and a quick polish will quickly address this shortcoming.  The plastic parts comprise the fuselage halves, wings, tail surfaces and nacelles. Wing fences are also included, but they are quite thick. It will probably be easier to use these as templates for new parts cut from thin plasticard.

All other detail parts are supplied in different media.

Resin parts are, in my opinion, nicer than earlier Hi Tech efforts. This resin does not feature the chalky texture we have come to expect from Hi Tech. The detail is extremely fine too, especially on the wheel well interiors and engine detail. Other aspects of the Vautour supplied in resin are the basic instrument panel, the seat backrest and squab, cockpit tub and tailpipes.

White metal almost always looks rough before cleanup and priming, and these fourteen pieces do not disappoint in that respect! However, they should clean up easily with a sharp knife and a fine file. This is a big model, so the metal landing gear is appreciated.

The large brass fret is manufactured by Eduard, but it is extremely thin - much thinner than we usually see from Eduard. The sheet also displays a subtle "brushed metal" finish, but this should disappear under a coat of paint. Parts on the sheet are provided to detail the seat, the instrument panel, the wheels and the gear legs.

Instructions are provided on a single folded sheet of A4 paper. Detail is skimpy but experienced modellers should have little trouble determining the assembly sequence. Decals are supplied for a single Israeli Vautour finished in a four colour "SEA" style of scheme. Details of colours and markings are vague.

As with any short-run kit, care will be required in assembly. This is especially true with the Vautour. The large wings butt-join with the fuselage. This join will definitely need reinforcement. Tail surfaces should also be hinged on brass rod at a minimum.

The Vautour sat on two sets of landing gear along the fuselage, and rested on nacelle-mounted outrigger wheels. Take plenty of time to ensure all four sets of wheels touch the ground at the same time!

To quote Hi Tech's own instructions:

"...our kits require some work to be done by the modeller. Components have to be cleaned up, fittings will have to be carefully checked, some simple parts such as undercarriage jack or landing lights will have to be made from scratch, but in the end you will add an original and accurate model to your collection".

I couldn't have summarised the situation better myself.

If you have an interest in French post-war aviation or just a penchant for the obscure, and you are willing to dust off your modelling skills, this will be an interesting and fulfilling project.

Recommended to experienced modellers.

Thanks to Squadron.com for the review sample