Post by deecee on Feb 7, 2008 17:36:50 GMT
Just purchased MPM’s recent release of the A-20G Havoc in 1/72. First impressions are very good – nice clean, Hasegawa-like finish with fine engraving and a really smooth surface. The sprue frames have rounded corners, rather reminiscent of Eduard, and a coloured options sheet is included with three choices. Could this be a new style for MPM?
However, this is not my reason for posting. MPM seem to have messed up the cowling configuration for the G version. According to Arthur Bentley’s plans published in SAMI (Feb.2007), the late G cowling (for which this model is designed) has small exhaust scoops positioned around its circumference at off-set positions. Now although these scoops are beautifully moulded in the kit as separate items there is no indication on the instruction sheet as to where exactly they should be positioned around the cowling and no marks on the cowling itself either. In fact these scoops are completely ignored in the instructions. If you follow these you will end up with a smooth cowling and moulded-on scoops on the lower gills, having been directed to use the alternative gill pieces which are provided in the kit, presumably for other releases in different versions. I believe this type of configuration is for the Boston IIIA / A-20C, according to AB’s plans. Moreover, the numbering is incorrect for these alternate gill pieces, which adds to the confusion.
Now what I’m looking for is decent photo reference for the way these exhaust scoops are configured. I can’t seem to find any ‘walkaround’ sets for the A-20 on the web, and the only ref. I have is the Sq.Sig. In Action no.56 and the At War volume for the A-20. Neither show adequate shots of the cowlings for the G series. The plans I mentioned only show one side-view of the G with the position of just three scoops. I really need to see the inboard side of the cowling for the complete picture. How many scoops and where? Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated.
PS – If you are at all interested in Havocs have a look at this kit. I haven’t cut anything off the sprue yet, but I don’t think I will be disappointed. I particularly liked the oil cooler detail on the inboard nacelle, separate tropical air filters on top of the wing and the detailed undercarriage.
Cheers, deecee
However, this is not my reason for posting. MPM seem to have messed up the cowling configuration for the G version. According to Arthur Bentley’s plans published in SAMI (Feb.2007), the late G cowling (for which this model is designed) has small exhaust scoops positioned around its circumference at off-set positions. Now although these scoops are beautifully moulded in the kit as separate items there is no indication on the instruction sheet as to where exactly they should be positioned around the cowling and no marks on the cowling itself either. In fact these scoops are completely ignored in the instructions. If you follow these you will end up with a smooth cowling and moulded-on scoops on the lower gills, having been directed to use the alternative gill pieces which are provided in the kit, presumably for other releases in different versions. I believe this type of configuration is for the Boston IIIA / A-20C, according to AB’s plans. Moreover, the numbering is incorrect for these alternate gill pieces, which adds to the confusion.
Now what I’m looking for is decent photo reference for the way these exhaust scoops are configured. I can’t seem to find any ‘walkaround’ sets for the A-20 on the web, and the only ref. I have is the Sq.Sig. In Action no.56 and the At War volume for the A-20. Neither show adequate shots of the cowlings for the G series. The plans I mentioned only show one side-view of the G with the position of just three scoops. I really need to see the inboard side of the cowling for the complete picture. How many scoops and where? Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated.
PS – If you are at all interested in Havocs have a look at this kit. I haven’t cut anything off the sprue yet, but I don’t think I will be disappointed. I particularly liked the oil cooler detail on the inboard nacelle, separate tropical air filters on top of the wing and the detailed undercarriage.
Cheers, deecee