Pegasus 1/72 RAF SE.5 (Early)
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Background
The Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF) SE.5 entered service in early 1917
and was armed with a single Vickers machine gun firing through the propeller
arc using a synchronizing gear (to avoid shooting through the propeller
blades!). It was a rugged machine that could be maneuvered through strenuous
dogfights and stay together. The major weakness of the aircraft was its
150 hp engine, which would be upgraded to 200 hp in later versions.
The Kit
The Pegasus 1/72 early SE.5 kit is a nice-looking multimedia kit, with
the wing, tail and fuselage molded in light gray styrene, and the struts,
landing gear and small details cast in white metal. Two fuselage styles
are included in the kit, one with tight fabric covering and one with stretched
(worn) fabric.
As with any limited-run kit, careful removal of the parts trees and
plenty of dry-fitting of parts prior to gluing is required to achieve
a low-stress project.
Markings are included for the aircraft of Lt. Cecil Lewis, which was
also flown by Capt Albert Ball.
Conclusion
The color and detail of these WWI subjects are intriguing and I admire
the work that modelers do with rigging these aircraft, especially in 1/72
scale. This kit will make a nice addition to that scale aerodrome on your
shelf!
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail
Order for this review sample!
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