Fonderie Miniature 1/72 Nord 1402 Gerfaut I

History

The Nord 1402 Gerfaut I was the first European jet aircraft to exceed Mach I in level flight. Powered by a single SNECMA Atar 101G, the aircraft was used in the France's successful transonic testing in 1956. This aircraft never entered service as it was one of several purpose-build experimental aircraft that would lead to the Mirage fighter family.

The Kit

FM has captured another historic French aircraft in its line of 1/72 limited run kits. As to be expected, this aircraft was small in real life, so it is proportionately tiny in scale.

The fuselage, wings and tail are molded in light gray styrene. The cockpit tub, nosegear well, and tailpipe are cast in light grat resin. The landing gear struts are white metal, whilst the remaining details - seat, gear doors, etc., are provided as photo-etched brass. The canopy (two provided) are vacuformed.

Decals are also provided for this historic aircraft.

Conclusions

This is the poster kit for multimedia! Every food group is represented in this tiny aircraft. Simply assemble the kit as directed, add a coat of Alclad II and the decals, and you will have your own bit of history on your scale flightline.

This kit is recommended for advanced modelers given the small size and variety of materials involved.

My sincere thanks to Squadron for this review sample!