The somewhat stocky yet elegant lines of the B.F.W. M.20b2
passenger planes can now be shown in model form thanks to this kit in resin,
released -long ago- by Planet.
The kit has reasonable detail, but still a bit more can be
added, and modified to better effect.
Although a convincing replica in general terms, some
research flaws on part of Planet show in a few places.
A number of these inaccuracies are described and corrected
in the step-by-step building thread that you can see here:
Both decal options are flawed in some regards, as well as
several details given for the depicted machines. I had to commission, as it is
often the case, my own decal sheet to be able to render an accurate
representation of the type. Arctic Decals came once again to the rescue and
delivered a great set.
Why many kit manufacturers don't bother in the least to look
at photos to check their plans is beyond comprehension to me.
Still, the fit of the kit parts and detail is good and in
general I rate this a much better offering than their F.W. 19 Ente that
I built a few months ago.
Besides the need to check references to correct the
above-mentioned inaccuracies, the build went on quite pleasantly.
Many
thanks to fellow modeler for the help with research.
The machine represented here, an ex Lufthansa plane, went to
Varig in Brazil
in 1937. It served there until well after WW2, ending its long career in the
scrap yard.
I posted in the building thread an interesting article that
I found on the Net (translated from Portuguese) narrating the final days and
adventures of PP-VKA.
I had fun building this one, in spite again of the necessary
corrective research and the bit of extra work needed to obtain an accurate
replica, but nothing insurmountable or too laborious.
I only wish manufacturers would be better checking those
plans. The fact that something has a plan, doesn't mean you can blindly follow
it.
However, in the end, we do have a BFW M.20, a handsome plane
from the 30s for which I thank Planet, and also other manufacturers that
venture into these less common regions of aviation, for the happiness of the
ones among us that like them and understand and appreaciate their historical,
symbolic and aesthetic value.
An impressive looking model, well done!
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind.
DeleteCheers
Hola Claudio: excelente como siempre, Felicitaciones.
ReplyDeleteMuchas gracias, caballero Armando.
Delete