Internet Modeler : First Look : Aviation RSS News Feed

RVHP 1/72 resin Hansa-Brandenburg B.I(Fd)

By Bob Pearson

Introduction

In mid-1916 the first Brandenburg B.I was delivered, this was the only aircraft specifically designed as a trainer in Austria-Hungary during WWI. The Fischamend company kept improving the design until almost the end of the war. Originally powered by teh Mercedes 100hp, it was later to use rebuilt Daimler or Hiero engines as new builds were required for frontline aircraft. Due to a lack of foresight, Fischamend neglected to provide enough spare parts for the B.I, and in the summer of 1917, 70% of them were grounded due to lack of parts.

Postwar the Brandenburg B.I(Fd) was used by the fledging air services of many eastern countries, it was even built in Poland, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Many were still flying as late as 1938.

The Kit

The fuselage is cast in a single piece with a hole through the cockpit and another one for the engine. the cockpit opening can possibly stand some additional thinning on the sides as it is a nice, straight opening through to the bottom. The underside is to be covered by a plug which is shaped to conform to the bottom curvature. The lower wings in turn attach to this plug.

The wings have a thin trailing edge and have separate ailerons for the upper wing. Tail surfaces are of the same quality. There are a few air holes on the trailing edge of one of the elevators, but that seems to be the only blemish to this kit that I can find.

Other parts provided include: Seats, struts, propellor, wheels, skis, cylinders to a 100hp Mercedes D.I engine, fuel tank, auxillary fuel tank, radiator. No armament is included as it was a trainer. The skis are a nice touch and will open up some interesting diorama possibilities.

Four lengths of brass strut material is also included for the interplane struts. Care should be taken when measuring these as they are angled inwards when viewed from the front.

Decals are included for two aircraft. B.I(Fd) 176.54 of Flek 17 in July 1917 and B.I(Fd) 76.95 fitted with skis for winter service.

Instructions consist of a three view drawing showing and an exploded parts placement drawings.

Conclusion

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I like RVHP kits. The are well molded and offer an excellent starting point for any kit they provide a model of. The only thing that ever looks like it needs work is widening of the cockpit interior so that it appears to be more than a vertical slot.

I ordered my kit from Lubos Vinar ofHOBBYSHOP.CZ