From the archives: FMA Ae. MB2 Bombi cropduster version - 1/72 Luis Santos o.o.p. vac

 (Note: this article is from the archives, the model was built in 2009)

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

The moldings were simple, just the basic shapes, in a way a bit like an Execuform product. The exterior and interior detail to be added. No doubt the arcane subject made my eyebrows raise, being a plane designed and built in Argentina in the 30's. The prototype was engineered as a light bomber, but eventually found another, 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 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 in Argentina.

After separating the parts I dealt with the areas that needed either filling or sanding. Based on references I added surface detail. A master was made for the canopy and a clear vac molded on and a cockpit was scratch-built. Once the fuselage was closed the dorsal area of the fuselage was "filled" (the back in the kit was chopped-down for the military version). Building proceeded to a point where I really needed to have a look at the photos of the crop-dusting version I was going for. In spite of the help of a few friends the images didn’t surface, so I half-guessed, based on written accounts, 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. Aeroclub 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.

With a bit of work I have now the clunky but rather charming shape of this model boasting its old refrigerator-like lines.

Thanks to Luis Santos and the long list of fellow modelers that intended to help with the particular cropdusting version.