1/72 Modified Vacuformed Ae. M.B. 2 cropduster

From the archive (2009):

This modeling endeavor is the result of a gift: the 1/72 Ae. M.B.2 vac kit was very kindly sent to me by fellow modeler Luis Santos, that produced the parts time ago as a “divertimento”.

The kit, as it arrived to my door, had few parts, and appeared very simple, with no surface detail. No interior or exterior details were provided either, nor transparencies or decals. The styrene was of adequate thickness, the simplicity of the molds is the small price we have to pay to be able to build esoteric aircrafts.

No doubt the arcane subject made my eyebrows raise, being a plane designed and built in Argentina in the pre-second WW2 years. The prototype was designed as a light bomber, but eventually found some other, more peaceful uses as a transport and even as a crop-duster, which is the subject of this article.

The lines of the plane were simple and probably the most remarkable features of the design were the high-aspect ratio of the wing and its generous size. A limited number of machines that explored some variations on the theme were produced, with minor changes in the landing gear, window arrangement, rudder shape, wing-to-fuselage fairings, fuselage covering and the fuselage top. The lines and proportions were, as said, simple but somehow pleasant. The design didn’t live long, but surely provided with some experience to designers, builders and pilots.

After separating the parts I dealt with the areas that needed either filling or sanding. After searching for references I added surface detail and refined here and there. It took a little time, but it wasn’t overwhelming.

A master was made for the canopy and a clear vac molded on and a cockpit was scratch-built with a fair deal of components.

Once the fuselage was closed the dorsal area of the fuselage was modified (it was chopped-down as per the military version in the vac provided).

Building proceeded to a point where I really needed to have a look at the photos of the crop-dusting version I was aiming for. In spite of the help of a few friends the images didn’t surface, so I half-guessed, based on comments, that area. I glued the involved parts sparingly, so if at certain point I can actually see some photos, I’ll be able to address the possible changes.

Some external details were scratched, like a wind-driven generator on the left wing, the carburetor intake, engine exhausts, Pitot –under the left wing-, Venturi –left side of the cockpit, oil cooler and navigation and landing lights. The latter equipped with MV lenses. Aftermarket parts were used for the engine and the wheels.

I painted the model as per its production companions, light grey, but no markings were added, again, waiting for photos to appear. One of the references states that three machines were adapted for cropdusting with two drums containing the product inside the fuselage.

The research, corrections, fabrication of the missing bits and the building itself took a time; nevertheless I have now the clunky but rather charming shape of this model boasting its old refrigerator-like lines on the desk.

Thanks to Luis Santos and the long list of fellow modelers that intended to help with the particular cropdusting version. We didn’t find anything conclusive yet, but I am sure you guys did your best.