1:48 Venturi Tube Set Vol.I

The real subject

A venturi tube is an inconspicuous tube fitted on the outside of an aircraft fuselage, most often below the cockpit. The air speeds up in its constriction and creates a suction that spins the gyroscopic instruments on the panel, that is the turn indicator or the artificial horizon. On machines without an engine-driven vacuum pump this was usually the only solution, which is why venturi tubes appear above all on aircraft of the 1930s and on trainers. On a model it is a small part, but a knowledgeable viewer notices it at once.

What the set offers

The set contains venturi tubes in 1:48 scale and its name marks it as the first volume of the series. These are parts the modeler picks according to the subject, not a set cut for a single kit. How many pieces and which shapes are in the package is stated by the manufacturer in the instructions; check the position and the angle of the tube against photographs of the particular machine.

• scale 1:48, a set of venturi tubes
• the first volume of the series according to the name
• a universal accessory, not tied to a single kit
• the parts are not made of polystyrene and are glued with cyanoacrylate glue
• the number of pieces and the shapes are given in the manufacturer's instructions

Building and painting tips

The parts are small, so separate them over a tray or over a spread-out cloth, so that a lost piece can be found. Cut off any excess material with a sharp blade a little away from the part and sand the rest away carefully. Glue with a minute amount of cyanoacrylate glue, so that the drop does not flood the mouth of the tube. Apply the paint thinly and only after degreasing; the tube usually matches the surrounding fuselage finish, but metal parts tended to be left in a metal shade.

Who it is for

It suits a modeler who is building an older aircraft in 1:48 scale and wants even the small external fittings in the correct shape. Paints, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.