When you look at model engines, especially the rotary and radial type, from major model companies, you tend to be disappointed. Especially with older injected technology, it wasn't easy to make a plastic engine look anything like a complex radial engine. The best bet was always to go aftermarket, and that first started with white metal. Now, however, resin companies have been able to "up the ante" with excellently-molded replacement engines. This is definitely the case with Radial Engines & Wheels' 1/72 Prat & Whitney R-1340 Wasp.
The level of detail on this engine is just superb. While Radial Engines & Wheels does have you add the ignition ring yourself with your own wire, this is just to make the engine that much more realistic. Once that is accomplished, and the engine painted, supplied with a paint wash and dry brush, then this engine will really stand out.
Some example aircraft that used this engine are:
- Boeing F3B, F4B
- Boeing P-12, P-26
- Curtiss F7C
- Curtiss SOC Seagull
- Lockheed Vega
- Vought O2U Corsair
For a more exhaustive list of aircraft, definitely visit the Radial Engines & Wheels site and the page on this engine.
Huge, huge thanks to Radial Engines & Wheels for sending this to review. I have so many models this will work on I will definitely be picking up more.