Resin Correction set for 1/32 Roden Sopwith Triplane

[Jamo_kiwi]

Roden Sopwith Triplane Resin Correction + detail set 1/32 scale

 

I am sure most WWI aviation modellers were very pleased to see Rodens recent release of the Sopwith Triplane in 1/32 scale. It can be built up into a nice model but it does suffer from some accuracy issues, particularly the length of the fuselage which is about 6mm too short. Some modellers are not be particularly bothered by accuracy issues, but I agree with Pheon that the additional length is very noticeable - particularly as it is concentrated in the rear half of the fuselage. Have a look at the kit fuselage alongside the replacement to see if you agree:

 

 

 

The Correct Length

Rowan Broadbent has researched this issue in conjunction with Brian Fawcett and John Adams of Aeroclub to discover just what the problem was.

 

They have found that the fuselage length quoted by most people - 18' 10" - relates *only* to two prototypes, N.500 and N.504 which were fitted with the 110hp Clerget. N500 went to France for service trials in July 1916 and from what they can discover, remained with the 110hp engine all of its life. N504 initially had the 110hp engine but had the 130hp version fitted in September 1916 and had the rear fuselage strengthened in October. The fuselage at this point remained the same length (verified from two original Sopwith plans in Richard Andrew's collection) and the fuselage extension was applied to ALL production Triplanes (with the 130 hp engine) as a result of trials with N504 with the 130hp engine.

 

Pheon note the correct fuselage length is 19'6". From plans and photographs it has been determined that the additional length was applied to the parallel sided section around the cockpit, which had the advantage of allowing the rest of the tapered rear fuselage to remain unaltered.

 

Information on the fuselage lengths came from the Harleyford publication "Sopwith - the Man and his Aircraft", compiled and written by Bruce Robertson with drawings by Peter G Cooksley. Towards the rear of the book, 4 pages are taken up with dimensions of every Sopwith aircraft from 1912 to 1919. 97 different subjects are covered, 8 entries for the Dolphin alone. The table shows Aircraft name/designation, engine, span, length, height, chord, gap, sweep-back, stagger, dihedral, incidence, total area, tailplane span/chord, track, date built, constructor and then has remarks.

 

In addition to correcting the length, the replacement set provides four further benefits:

 

1) much more accurate depiction of the fuselage lacing

 

2) tapes over the quilting on the front fuselage sides (absent from the Roden kit)

 

3) eradicates the sink mark on the outside of the starboard fuselage caused by the integrally moulded incidence control wheel. This sink mark would be difficult to fix as it is located in the middle of the quilting

 

4) more realistic Rotherham air pump, particularly the propeller

 

 

 

 

The resin fuselage is identical in all other respects to the Roden item. It is rather softer than the kit styrene plastic and is not as rigid, particularly from the cockpit section forward where the sides do not join together. The resin's flexibility will mean that some care will be needed when fitting the cockpit coaming in place, as the fuselage sides will "underlap" the plastic part unless care is exercised. Pheon have suggested the simple expedient of inserting a "T" piece made from sprue through the cockpit opening and rotating it, rather like a key in a lock, to push the resin sides out from the inside before attaching the plastic fuselage top; when the glue is set just turn the sprue "key" back through 90degrees and remove it through the cockpit should be very simple!

 

The tailplane incidence control wheel, which was moulded integrally with the fuselage side comes as a separate item along with a Rotherham air pump as part of the replacement item. In my review item the tip of the propeller blade of the pump had broken off, but this would be simple enough to re-attach.

 

Price

£10.00. Available only direct from Pheon Models by email: pheon.models@hotmail.co.uk

 

Conclusion

Taken together all the fixes offered by this set make the outlay worthwhile in my opinion. Assembling the fuselage and cockpit coaming will take some care. The resin moulding has been well done and I liked the improved lacing. Recommended.

 

Post and Packing charges to Europe

£2.90 for 2nd class which takes (on average) 7 work days.

£5.10 for 1st class which takes (on average) 3 work days.

 

Post and Packing charges to Rest of World: **

£2.90 for 2nd class which takes (on average) 12 work days.

£5.10 for 1st class which takes (on average) 7 work days.

 

Resin OR Combined order Resin + Decals/Prints

Extra Strong Packaging to a maximum of 500gm £9.50 for all destinations other than Mexico and Brazil ** and France **.

Please note this packaging allows mixing decals and resin parts

 

**Mexico and Brazil:

Up to 500 gm Takes on average 7 work days., ALWAYS £11.00 for 1st class RECORDED for order value incl. P&P up to £45.00

£13,00 for 1st class RECORDED for order value incl. P&P up to £110.00

 

** Post and Packing within France will differ from the general P&P for Europe as Pheon are now located in France

 

Thanks to Pheon Models for providing the item for review

 

Catalogue

Here is a link to Pheon's catalogue (which has been updated recently):

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=34793

Edited December 13, 2010 by Jamo_kiwi