1:72 SHU-16B

The real subject

The HU-16B, known as the Albatross, is a twin-engine amphibian with a boat-shaped hull and a wing set high above it. Retractable landing gear let it take off from a hard surface as well as alight on water, which made it a machine for rescue and search flights over the sea. The shape of the underside of the hull, the stabilizing floats under the wing and the large door in the side are among the features that catch the eye most on a model.

What the set contains

This is a kit in 1:72 scale, that is a set of parts to be glued together and painted. The exact contents of the package, the number of parts and the choice of markings are given in the manufacturer's instructions. For twin-engine machines 1:72 scale is a sensible compromise: the model has a noticeable span, yet on a shelf it still takes up no more room than a single-engine aircraft in a larger scale.

Building and painting tips

Glue the hull together and let it dry thoroughly, and only then settle the wing; with a high-set wing every deviation shows when you look at the model from the front. The underside of the hull is a smooth curved surface, so fill the seam in it and sand it smooth, otherwise it will stand out under any shade. Set the floats under the wing symmetrically and check them from the tail, not only from above. Cut the surplus material and the traces of production away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder off. Wash and degrease the surfaces before painting; rescue machines tend to carry bold colored bands, which are masked only once the primer coat has dried.

Terms of supply

Paints, glue, thinner and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.