1:720 K-type Blimp (K-3/6/28) 'Early Production'

The real subject

The K-type airships were non-rigid airships of the US Navy that during the Second World War escorted convoys and patrolled over coastal waters. Against an aircraft they had a fundamental advantage: they could stay in the air for many hours and fly slowly just above the surface, which suited searching and escorting ships better than a fast pass. The envelope held its shape through the overpressure of the gas rather than through an internal frame, and a gondola with the crew was slung underneath. The designation of the early production form in the name refers to the shape of the machines from the start of production.

What the kit contains

A model of the airship in 1:720 scale in the form of a kit to be glued and painted. The extent of the package and the recommended procedure are given in the manufacturer's instructions. Thanks to the small scale the model is suitable even where there is no room for a large display case.

Building and painting tips

In 1:720 scale the model is small, so the cleanness of the surface decides: fill the seam on the envelope carefully and sand it smooth, otherwise an even coat of paint will emphasize it further. Apply the paint in thin coats, so that the fine edges are not flooded. The gondola, the tail surfaces and their bracing are the most fragile part of the build, so attach them at the end, once the envelope has been painted.

Who it is for

For modelers interested in naval aviation of the Second World War and in hardware that is not built in the usual scales. Paints, glue and other finishing materials are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.