Breguet 14A2

Hi-Tech

Reviewed by Robert Baumgartner

Hi-Tech's 1/48 scale Breguet 14A2 is available online from Squadron.com

With the release of the Hi-Tech Breguet 14B2 a few years ago, many hoped that this would lead to a new kit of the reconnaissance version. As it happens, this version is now available.

Contents

Naturally this kit owes a lot to the original release of the 14B2 bomber by this manufacturer. For this version we get four sprues containing a total of 33 plastic parts. This is supplemented with five white metal, six resin and 39 photo etched parts.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

A nicely printed decal sheet contains markings for a single aircraft.

The pieces compare very favorably with Ian Stair’s plans in a 1970 edition of Scale Models and comparison to photos also reveals the overall accuracy of the kit.

Wings

The upper wing parts come from the 14B2 kit and arrive in two main pieces. Separate balanced ailerons are provided to replace the molded on unbalanced ones. These were seen on later examples, and the instructions show where to cut the top wing to add them. On an aircraft such as this, separate ailerons are a good idea as pictures show a significant gap where they attach to the wings.

Hi-Tech correctly supply new lower wigs to represent the shorter version found on the 14A2. These did not have the flaps or leading edge extensions for the bomb racks that were found on the 14B2.

All wings parts are very well molded with thin trailing edges, no warpage, and fine raised lines representing the rib tapes. The only discrepancy here is a slight mismatch of the lower wing with the aforementioned plans. This involves the length from the trailing edge cutout to the fuselage, but most modelers will choose to ignore it.

Fuselage

These parts are on the new sprue devoted solely to the 14A2. Each half is fully molded although strangely, as with the 14B2, there is no detail on the undersides of the fuselage halves. One would expect to see an opening for the camera or transparency area for the observer. This detail will have to be thought out by the modeller.

The stitching has been improved from the 14B2 parts but could still do with a light sanding to tone it down. Photo etched panels are used for the engine louvers and this proves to be a very clever idea. To mould these in plastic using limited production techniques is fraught with danger.

As befits the 14A2, the side windows are no longer present. The instructions tell you there should be one on the starboard side but this appears to be a mistake. The reason being that the instruction sheet is a modified version of the one used in the 14B2 kit.

Interior

This comprises of a plastic framework to replicate the tubular structure of the original. Resin is used for the seats and my examples were quite good. P-e allows for the control columns, rudders, throttle and seat belts. Some of these items are not suitable in this 2 dimensional format and are best scratch built. A p-e instrument panel is supplied but the dial faces to fit the holes will need to come from other sources. Sadly no camera is provided and this also must be found elsewhere. Thus there is plenty to be done in the cockpit for those that like to add extra detail.

Finals

The remaining resin pieces are used for the wheels and exhaust, with the latter item needing putty to fill some air bubbles. A nice radiator is provided and this is further enhanced with a photo-etched grill.

The undercarriage in the 14B2 kit was white metal but thankfully, this is now done in plastic. It is still strong enough to support the weight of the airplane and is easier to work with. Two photos of this machine reveal that at one stage of its life at least, it didn’t have wheel covers fitted. Thus the adventurous modeller could try fitting spoked wheels!

The white metal parts make up the propeller, Vickers and Lewis machine guns.

The remaining p-e takes care of the control horns and scarf ring with the rest being left over from the 14B2.

The decal sheet is superbly printed with excellent registration, good colour and nice thin carrier film. It provides for a machine of the 96th Aero Squadron, September 1918, one of its occupants being Capt. James Summerset Jr.

As mentioned before, the instruction sheet has been modified from the 14B2 kit and as such, there is a little confusion for the uninitiated. Do not install the 14B2 lower wing as shown in illustration G. The starboard fuselage shows the window opening that is usually associated with the 14B2 and ignore the image of the same that has been used for the colour-painting guide. Thankfully the rigging diagram has been altered to represent the kitted version.

Hi-Tech has provided an excellent starting point to produce what should be a stunning model. The very nature of the Breguet 14 means that it will not be an easy kit to make, but patience will reward.

Recommended

 

Thanks to Squadron.com for the review sample.

Review and Images Copyright © 2003 by Robert Baumgartner
Page Created 30 January, 2003
Last updated 15 August, 2003

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page