High Tech 1/48th Sopwith Snipe By Rick Geisler

History

The Sopwith Snipe was developed as a Camel replacement from a specification issued in 1917. Although the Snipe arrived too late in the war to have a major impact (only three squadrons were equipped before the Armistice), it went on to serve as the backbone of the RAF fighter force until the mid 20's. Unquestionably the most famous single combat involving the Snipe was Major W.G.Barker VC.. Major Barker was involved in a combat with between 15 to 60 German fighters, and managed to shoot down several although wounded and lapsing in and out of consciousness. This aircraft is the subject of this kit.

The Kit

The instructions consist of an exploded view, a scale drawing of the aileron placement, engine assembly drawings, and a drawing representing the painting and decal placement.

Injection molded parts( 41), with a large amount of flash are included. Although annoying, the flash is typical of limited run low pressure kits. As Mr. Jordan says, you are not purchasing an “Accutamigawa kit”. In spite of the flash, the details of the parts are well molded.,with relatively thin trailing edges on the wings. Parts seem to accurately match drawings in the Snipe datafile. High Tech has attempted to represent the tacks showing through the rib tapes. The effect is overdone and the instructions recommend reducing the raised bumps by sanding. The injection molded struts and interior framework will require the most clean up work and will probably be replaced by the more experienced modeler. Ailerons and fin/rudder are supplied for the early and late variants. The late version ailerons require cutting off the inner 2 rib sections and trimming the wing tip to the proper configuration.

The engine and Vickers machine guns are represented by very well cast resin parts. The engine comprises 11 parts, (1 Photo etched and 10 resin). Push rods must be fabricated from styrene rod or stretched sprue etc. The resin guns also have photo etched sights and arming handles.

The remainder of the approximately 70 photo etched parts include, control horns, tailplane struts, instrument panel, floor boards, rudder pedals, pitot, detail parts for the rear fuselage/ rudder assembly, seat belts, a very nicely done wicker seat, and a myriad of as yet unidentified detail parts!

Decals are provided for 1 aircraft, that of the aforementioned WG Barker. Those in my sample being in good registration.

Conclusion

This kit is typical of High Tech releases to date. If you plan on building this kit make sure you have references available (Windsock Data file etc.) as the exploded drawing doesn’t quite make all details clear. The amount of cleanup required on the plastic parts, fabricating some parts from styrene rod, and working with resin and photo etched detail parts will require an experienced hand. As for myself I have plans to build 2 of these kits, one in wartime 43 squadron markings ,and another in post war 56 squadron livery.

Thanks to Chris and Squadron Mail Order for this sample.