Blue Max 1/48 AVRO 504K By Paul Schwartzkopf

History

The AVRO 504 was designed in 1913 and became one of the Royal Flying Corps most important aircraft early in WWI. It was used for many different roles, including that of strategic long range bombing. As better aircraft became available, it was relegated to the training role. In 1917, the 504K was produced. This version had a universal engine mount that allowed it to use one of several different engines. The 504 remained in production until 1933.

The Kit

For those of you that do not know, Blue Max produces 1/48 scale limited edition model kits of WWI aircraft. Only 1,500 of the 504K kits will be produced. Past subjects have included the Pfalz D.XII and Nieuport 28, just to name a few.

The kit consists of 21 injected plastic parts, 29 cast metal parts, three pieces of strut material, and one piece of plastic rod. A decal sheet and instructions are also included. The instruction sheet shows an exploded view of the model, rather than a series of assembly steps.

The plastic parts have heavy attachment points to the sprues, and care will need to be exercised when removing them. My example has a lot of flash on the plastic parts. Wing ribs and the fuselage stringers and stitching are very subtle. There is no "starved cow" effect between the wing ribs. The ailerons are molded as separate pieces. The seats and instrument panels are also molded in plastic.

Metal parts are provided for the cockpit interior framing, main landing gear legs and skid, tail skid, cowling, and engine. The individual cylinders are well done. The interior framework on my example will require some straightening out before assembly and painting. The wing mounted fuel tank is also cast in metal. The various struts for the wings and landing gear will need to be cut from the several strips provided. Luckily, a guide for cutting them to the proper length is provided in the instruction sheet.

Decals are provided for two versions. These represent a restored 504K of the RAF Museum at Hendon, and a 504K of No. 4 Flying Training School, Abu Sueir, in 1920-21. Color guides are provided for each aircraft, as well as notes covering colors used on the 504K in general. Several close up photos of the completed model are supplied in the instructions for reference, but there is nothing included on how to rig the model.

Conclusion

Those who want a 1/48 504K now have a choice. The only other 1/48 504K I am aware of is the dated Merit/Smer kit (I have heard a rumor that it's molds were destroyed recently in an accident). The 504 may not have had the glamour of other types, but like the contemporary Curtiss Jenny, it played a major role in training Allied pilots. As such, it deserves a place on any WWI modeler's shelf. Recommended, but for experienced modelers only.

Thanks to MMD/Squadron for supplying the kit for review.