Would this be a good 'first build' for a newbie biplane modeller such as myself? I have read a couple of reviews of their Camel offering, doesn't look too scary, but have unable to find any info on the Nieuport.

Greetings Kriegshund;

For your benefit, the "Hobbycraft" and Academy Nieuports are the same mould! Therefore no difference in construction or detail would be evident. As for accuracy, the only difference would be in Decals. As I recall, the biggest accuracy problem was the fuselage bottom right behind the cowl -- there should be a recessed cutout, while Hobbycraft molds it flat. Easy to fix.

I know a fellow who several of these, from both Mfgr's, and the width problem at the cowl is just a case of too much plastic. He comments;

"When you get it, take the fuselage halves and the cowl ring off the sprues, and clean them up. Then either tape, or hold the feuselage together and put the cowl ring up to it. It's too wide. Just sand the forward surfaces of the fuselage (keep checking) until it matches the cowl ring. Nothing major, just a few swipes should do it. It took 15 minutes... Nothing insurmountable. But the MG (s) plural, should probably (as mine) be replaced with some 'Tom's Modelworks' PE stuff. The interiors are deffinately candidates for "Tom's", as they give you all the stuff that's missing..."

Tom's is available through Squadron Mail order.

http://www.tomsmodelworks.com/

For detail sets and decals for 1/32nd scale aircrafts, also look at Copper State Models at;

www.amug.org/~copperst

Nice selection of decals and instruments for 1/32nd scale British and French aircraft.

Thank you for the info JackFlash, it is a definite help.

Tony!

If 1/32 is your favorite scale, I think Hobby Craft/Academy Nieuport 17 is not only a good first build for a newbie. It is THE first build for a newbie in this scale!

It's reasonably priced, reasonably accurate and reasonably easy to put together.
A perfect kit to try your skills in putting the upper wing on, rigging etc.

Mikko

Thanks Mikko!