1:48 Nieuport (wet decals)

French fighters in Russian colors

The light biplanes of the Nieuport make were among the most agile machines in the sky during the First World War. Their characteristic lower wing with a single spar gave the type its nickname and at the same time its reputation as an aircraft that does not take rough handling in a steep dive. A number of examples made their way to Russia and served there long after the end of the world war, when the hostile sides of the civil conflict passed them between one another.

Three machines on the sheet

The set offers the basis for three specific aircraft. The first is a Nieuport 24bis of the thirteenth fighter detachment of the fourth fighter division, the second a Nieuport 24 of a naval fighter detachment, flown in September 1919 by a pilot named Yakovitsky, and the third a Nieuport 23 of the first aviation brigade from Novocherkassk in the spring of the same year. It is therefore a set aimed narrowly at one theater and one period.

What building a biplane involves

Markings on fabric covering look different from markings on metal: the motifs are best applied over a satin base and the structure of the ribs should be allowed to show through them. The roundels on the upper surface of the wing overlap the bracing, so cut them at the place of the strut and glue them around it. String the bracing wires only at the very end, otherwise they will get in the way while you work with the decals.

No plastic, only markings

This is a separate sheet of markings. The kit, the paints and the wire for the bracing are not included. The three finishes cover both sides of the conflict of the time, so a small themed display can be built out of a single bag.