Hi Tech 1/48 Breguet "Photo" XIV A2

Background

The Breguet XIV was an advanced and versatile aircraft that first flew in 1916 and would go on to equip at least 71 French squadrons on the western front as well as units in Serbia, Greece, Macedonia and Morocco. This aircraft also equipped the air forces of the US and Belgium as well.

The aircraft was advanced in that it employed duralumin extensively in its wing and fuselage structures while retaining fabric for most of the 'skin'. Powered by a 320 hp Renault engine, the A2 served as a reconnaissance platform while the B2 was a stable bombing platform.

The Kit

Hi Tech has released a beautiful multimedia kit of the Breguet 14A2 in 1/48 scale! The wings, fuselage, and principal structural components are all cast in light gray injection-molded styrene. While not really visible in these photos, the kit features nice fabric and rib detailing.

The engine cowl, cockpit framing and other key details are represented with a nicely done photo-etched fret. The engine radiator, pilot's seat, exhaust stack, and main wheels are all cast in resin. The propeller and machine guns are provided in white metal.

Construction begins with the interior framing of the cockpit to represent the metal and wood ribs and stringers that provided structural strength for the fuselage. This assembly is an interesting mix of styrene frames with photo-etched details and that resin pilot's seat.

A minor bit of surgery is required as the ailerons molded onto the upper wings must be replaced with the larger ailerons provided on the tree containing the fuselage.

The cowling details are not structural - they are laminated onto the styrene fuselage to provide that great appearance.

Markings are provided for a single example from the 96th Aero Squadron USAS as depicted on the kit's box art.

Conclusions

This is a nice addition to the scale flightline and is a nice blend of simple construction with a variety of multimedia parts.

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!

[NOTE: For examples of other Br14s, check the profile feature in the October 2002 IM - RNP]