A large part of my model collection is constituted by what
in general is shallowly thought as "aviation oddities", many of them
scratchbuilt. It is a bit unfortunate that most modelers are seldom exposed to
things others than the well known "one design solution fits all"
school of aviation.
But aviation at large is full of lesser-known types that
offer visual diversity, innovative research, and a glimpse at how other minds, with
creative thinking, face the challenges of the field.
As I mentioned, I mostly have to scratchbuilt what I want,
since hardly ever manufacturers would venture out of the easily marketable
types (I don't blame them much, since many modelers tend to be conservative).
Thus I was gladly surprised when I saw the annular wing offered by Avis, a type
I scratchbuilt many years ago (the link to that post is in the building article, here:
Therefore congratulations to Avis for their boldness and the
breath of fresh aviation air!
Rather than rewrite here a potted history of the type, I
would encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and do a bit of Internet
navigation to explore this and other aviation inventive and out-of-the-ordinary
types.
I modified a few things in the kit to obtain a more accurate
reproduction, all explained in the WiP:
-replacement of incorrectly shaped prop
-modified undercarriage (re-shaped front wheels, new struts
with shock absorbers)
-fill/re-contour the front of the teardrop engine fairings
on the fuselage sides, which photos show had no opening
-replacement of rigging mast with brass Strutz
-cut-out for engine on fuselage belly
-added Aeroclub engine (modified to fit)
-added front passenger position and fuel tank
-added wind-driven fuel pump
-added photo-etched control horns
-added minor details on elevons seen in photos: additional
rigging and a small stiffener mast.
I am truly happy to have now a better representation of the
incredible annular wing, provided by a good kit with a fair price, good level
of detail and relative easiness of construction.
Once again, well done Avis! This one goes to join the Avis
fleet with the Short Cockle and Satellite, Bristol M1D, Bristol Racer, Mig 8
Utka, and American Gyro Crusader on the shelves. I have in the stash their
D.H.60 and am eagerly waiting for their Stout Skycar to reach the hobby shops. What
a fine stable of appealing civil aircraft by a manufacturer that ventured to go
above and beyond!
lovely
ReplyDeleteThanks Luis!
DeleteLa verdad es que no hay un solo trabajo tuyo que no sea espectacular. Me mujero de envidia jajajaja.
ReplyDeleteGustavo, un cumplido que me hizo reír mucho!
DeleteSaludos cordiales
Looks great, and good to see Avis releasing more of these rarities.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Mark
Thanks, Mark, and ditto!
Delete