RS Models 1/72 Marton X/V Heavy Fighter By Chris Banyai-Riepl

Overview

This is from the instructions, as I had never heard of this aircraft. In 1943 the Marton XV-01 was developed as a heavy fighter. The twin-boomed tricycle gear design was designed to use two DB 605 engines, one tractor and one pusher. It was to be armed with a 30mm engine-mounted cannon, two heavy machine guns in the cowling, and additional cannons in the wing roots and boom leading edges. This would make for a very heavy hitting aircraft. The aircraft was to have an ejection seat, designed on a twin rail system powered by a spring. In 1944, the fuselage and wing structure were completed, but they were destroyed in an Allied bombing raid in April 1944.

The Kit

If you are looking for the unusual, this airplane definitely qualifies. The kit is molded in tan colored resin, with a vacuformed canopy. The parts are cleanly molded, with recessed panel lines. The small decal sheet provides markings for a hypothetical Hungarian aircraft.

The twin boom design of this aircraft makes construction somewhat different than would be expected. The main fuselage assembly is as one would expect, though, with a detailed cockpit fitting between the two fuselage halves. There is rudimentary detail molded onto the fuselage halves, and once finished this interior will be just fine. As this plane was never completed, this is entirely conjectural, as are the colors.

Once the main fuselage pod is finished, the rest of the assembly should go smoothly. The wings are a butt joint to the fuselage, as are the tail booms. For strength, the modeler should probably pin both of these items. The landing gear looks good, but could also stand to be strengthened with pins. The instructions do not mention it, but this model might need extra weight in the nose to keep it on all three gear.

The painting instructions suggest that the aircraft be painted in overall RLM 71 dark green over RLM 76 light blue. As the aircraft was never completed, the modeler could finish this kit in any late-war camouflage pattern and it would look good. The decals provide rudder colors and Hungarian national insignia. The spares box could be hit up for Luftwaffe markings, if one so chooses. The decals look to be well printed, with no visible problem areas.

Conclusion

While this aircraft was never built, it was attempted, so it is not a complete paper project. The interesting shape would make for a great addition to any WW2 collection. My thanks to RS Models for the review sample.