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This model was on display at the
" Mondial de la Maquette " (World Model Show) that is held in Paris
until the end of the week (till Apr 15/2001). This is the biggest modeling event
of its kind in France, with a unique attendance of 200,000 people within 9 days.
This is not a modeling contest, but a general public models (static and R/C),
games, wargames and toys fair, with an excellent coverage from the French
medias.
The Box Art (I think this is
important when buying a kit) is nice and is courtesy of Squadron Signal
Publishing. The story behind this is a commercial agreement between MACH
2 and Squadron. The publisher gave
MACH 2 the right to use the top cover of one of his publication, but
asked to be the sole North America importer. The release of this kit will
also be the reason of the re-issue of the " In Action " book on the
Mariner (currently out of print) in the next few weeks...
I consider myself as impartial
as I usually do not built MACH 2 models. I find them too difficult and
time-consuming. This time is different. Three models built OOTB in 4 days were
on display, they looked really great. The airplane is not as ugly or as
"fat" as the Short Sunderland and could be turn into a very nice
replica.
(Click on images
below to see larger image. Use your browsers back button to return)
| All the
parts have recessed panel lines. The surface is not " sandy
" and the fit seems to be the best I have seen of the MACH 2
range. |
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The
clear parts are thick but useable. |
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Decals
are a bit scarce (i.e. no English roundels for the Coastal
Command version), I would have loved to see the 1948/49
PBM-5 SAR version (navy blue with oversized letters on the
top wings " RESCUE NORFOLK 124 " and High Vizz
Yellow wing tips and nose) that you can spot in the Monogram
books... Please
note.....the blank areas on this decal sheet are actually
filled with white decal markings. ARC Ed. |
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| A
cockpit floor with seats and control panel is included, as well as 2
different engines and optional wheels for a dry dock
scene. |
I hope that someone like the Cobra
Company will release an update set with resin wheels and engine intakes, a new
cockpit tub and a vac-formed canopy and turrets. With those simple adds-on,
this will turn the model into a Contest winner.
The model received a very warm welcome
from the French modelers. During the first day of the Show, MACH 2 sold 37
copies. This is an important figure for a "cottage industry "
company. The US market should boost the sales. Squadron ordered 400 copies,
MACH 2 expects to sell 5 000 + worldwide for the months to come.
I will build this airplane,
because since I've seen the kit, I really love it !
Pascal Cholin
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