Roden 1/48th SE5A Hispano Suiza
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History
 Roden
has now released the long awaited 1/48th SE5A Hisso engine version. This
issue will be the ultimate edition of this Roden kit as ALL versions may
be built from this offering. The Hispano Suiza powered version of the
SE5A was the most common during the war years and almost every Ace who
flew the SE, flew this version.
The Kit
 The
kit consists of approximately 87 injection molded parts, and one photo
negative acetate sheet containing windscreen variants and the clear window
for the upper forward fuselage. Plastic parts are all cleanly molded.
Decals are provided for 6 aircraft, including 2 birds flown by JTB McCudden,
and what will undoubtedly be a popular scheme for R. Stanley Dallas.
Included in the plastic parts are the new cowl panels relative to the
Hisso powered version, as well as the original Wolseley Viper cowl panels.
Both of the original 2 bladed props are included, and new to this issue
are 2 four bladed prop choices. Short exhaust stacks are now provided,
and of course the original long pipes are there also. As in the first
issue both narrow and wide cord elevators are present. A new front cowl/
radiator rounds out the additions to this issue but of course, the original
forward cowl is also included.
  Construction
should begin by studying the aircraft of your choice. If doing one of
the provided schemes look at the drawings for decal placement. Included
is a list for each aircraft denoting which exhausts, prop, and landing
gear is appropriate for that particular scheme!
Follow the kit directions, although they look a bit random, (starting
with the lower wing), the first steps are the usual cockpit interior.
The only problem I encountered with my previous build was the location
of the Instrument panel. (See IM May
2005) This requires a small spacer added to move it back to the proper
location. Add detail as desired. (Part has done a photo etched sheet for
the Wolesley powered version). If doing a version calling for the upper
cowl piece #20, remove the small air scoop as this was not present on
the machines represented.
  Construction
proceeds to joining the fuselage halves and wing assembly. Some trimming
may be necessary to the lower wing / fuselage for a proper fit. It is
recommended that the locating pin on the cabanes be trimmed off. Replace
with a strip of styrene glued on at the proper angle to fit the slots
provided. Slightly drill the locator holes for the Interplane struts and
attach per instructions. Glue on the tailplane assembly, upper wing and
the exhausts and you are almost finished.
Roden has corrected one glaring omission in this kit and provide an
excellent rigging diagram. Note should be made that they do not show the
double rigging lines for the flying wires!
 Conclusion
This is THE edition of this kit to purchase if you aren’t sure
what version, Hisso or Wolesley you wish to build. If building the latter
simply substitute the parts not for use in the Hisso instructions reference
the cowl panels and radiator front. At a suggested retail around $20.00
US, this is quite a bargain! Rigging is difficult so may not be a good
First WW1 Model choice!
Thanks to Roden for the review
copy.
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