A scaling up of Ian Stair’s plans in Albatros Productions Datafile #58, revealed the likelihood that these were used for the making of this kit.

Comparing the outline of the main components, one finds the fuselage and wings to be virtually spot-on. The rib spacing and rigging entry points also came up trumps.

Trailing edges on such large items are frequently a problem…but not here. They are very thin and the shape of the airfoil is excellent.

Smaller items such as the elevators, cowl, and spinner also fair well. The undercarriage looks good but the axle could be a bit longer to allow secure gluing to the wheels.

Speaking of the latter, Special Hobby has sensibly moulded these in two halves. This is to eliminate the possibility of sink holes due to the thickness of the part. They have chosen to represent the spokes that press against the inside of the wheel covers. This trait can be seen on a couple of examples, particularly the much photographed “A186”.

The “office” looks well appointed with separate framework for the interior structure. This is backed up with the usual instruments, pressure pump, seat, rudder bar, control column and various body cushions. In this scale, the modeller definitely has to add the internal wiring and control cables that will be seen through the cockpit opening.

The propeller appears a little too long compared to the aforementioned plans. If this bothers you, the area in question is the portion between the paddle blades and the prop shaft.

It is clear that other versions of this monoplane are planned due to the parts layout. One point to note is that the location of the air intake pipe on the fuselage is for the 110hp engine of the “Type I”. This has to be relocated further back to represent the kitted 80hp Le Rhone of the “Type N”. Again, this is not hard for the builder to do.

The resin parts are excellent. They are well cast with no air bubbles or distortion. The detail is up to the standard expected from this manufacturer and their removal from the plugs should present no problem. The larger parts represent the propeller and engine, while the smaller items take care of the deflector plates, ammunition strips, instrument casings and overhead rigging pulley.

A single photo etched fret accompanies the kit and the thin metal used is quite flexible.

The engine “spider” is found here, as are the seat belts, instrument bezels, perforated cockpit longerons, and rigging turn-buckles. Naturally not all of these items have to be used and the latter items (numbering 26 in total) will prove an interesting challenge.

Sadly lacking is the prominent MS logo that was always seen on both sides of the front cowling. This will prove hard to replicate and it’s a pity Special Hobby missed this essential item.

Two options are catered for on the decal sheet and my example was in perfect register.

• Morane Saulnier N “MS 391” is a machine thought to have been photographed at Dunkerque. Pictures taken at the time clearly show a coloured outline that surrounded the elevators of many of these machines. Remember to include this as it is not mentioned in the painting instructions. The same is true regarding the top of the fin.

• Morane Saulnier N “MS 394” has always been a popular choice with kit manufactures.
  Aside from omitting the previously mentioned outlining, Special Hobby decided to represent this aircraft without any fuselage striping. Should you wish to include it; some decal strip will easily solve that problem.
  
   

A monoplane such as this is the perfect way to start your collection of large scale World War I fighters. The single wing will mean none of the alignment problems inherent in the usual aircraft of this period.

This kit contains all the essentials for the modeller to complete a quality example of the Morane Saulnier N. The large scale will allow plenty of scope for extra detailing and yet the finished article will still fit easily on the model shelf.

Now where’s my hobby knife?

Recommended

Thanks to MPM/Special Hobby for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2006 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 16 May, 2006
Last updated 15 May, 2006

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