This kit is most impressive. I had to move to a larger branch of the treehouse to support this heavy kit and its seven sprues and one metal fret. Mine only has a small amount of flash in one area between the two top wings offered on tree C. While an on the tree review won't allow for dimensional studies for the fit of most parts the character of a kit on the tree tells one that in most cases the factory did their home work. The bamboo wicker seats are not represented but let me take this time to note that many crews covered these seats with fleece or other similar materials for comfort and warmth. The typical Sopwith wicker seat had black leather for the seat and small back cushion. This cockpit will sit far enough away from the top wing that one should take time to detail it. Noting the flooring and the cockpit relocation from the first issued kits the trim adjustment wheels should be moved back and have a bit of the flooring cut away to allow for their clearance. Also the precise location of the dash or instrument panel is in the rear floor cut outs. Since the fuselage tapers here as well you may need to trim plastic and brass to unite the fuselage halves. As usual I will turn to Tom's modelworks brass interior sets for some pieces. Roden has given you both plastic and photoetch push rod assemblies for the Clerget rotary. Noting the area of the wings I personally recommend brass interplane 'STRUTZ' be applied then the cabane 'W' struts added. I have noted one fellow that says the MG support frame needs altering but I'll work on that later. I have heard some further rumblings on Roden decals for this kit. Again I echo that one should spray the decals wth gloss clear and allow to dry thoroughly before use on the kit. The Sopwith rigging is pretty intense so plan ahead. For a good visual reference try The Sopwith Fighters by J.M. Bruce Vintage Warbirds No3 by Arms & Armour press, especially p.16.
Specifically, this is a very good kit. Well worth the price. Another excellent plastic kit by Roden. And I'm not even on their payroll!
That's all for now. I'll begin a detailed build of this kit sometime in mid summer. With these trifocals I think I'll install an elevator in the treehouse.
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