1:72 Fokker S-12/T-22 “Instructor”

Fokker S-12/T-22 Instructor in 1:72 scale by Kovozavody Prostejov

The kit covers the Fokker S.12 low-wing trainer, that is the version of the well known Instructor type with nosewheel landing gear. The model is in injection-molded plastic in 1:72 scale and comes from the Czech manufacturer Kovozavody Prostejov, which has long had school and light aircraft in its range. The set follows on from earlier boxes by the same manufacturer with the S-11 and T-21 versions, so a collector can build the whole line of development side by side.

The real subject

The Fokker S.11 Instructor was designed as a single-engined trainer for basic pilot training in the postwar years and became one of the most widespread European school machines of its day. The S.12 version is based on it and its main recognition feature is precisely the nosewheel landing gear in place of a tailwheel, which prepared future pilots better for more modern aircraft. Series production of the S.12 took place in Brazil and the Brazilian Air Force used its own designation T-22 for these machines, just as it carried the license-built S.11 under the designation T-21. The pair of designations in the name therefore points at one and the same aircraft in two countries.

Building and painting tips

With smaller production runs it pays to try each part dry first and only then reach for a thin cement for plastic, which is drawn into the joint by capillary action. Clean small flash off with a scalpel and fine sandpaper. It pays to mask the cockpit and spray it together with the fuselage, so that the frame looks like part of the structure. Lay a gloss varnish down before the decals, and once it has dried draw the surface together with a matte or semi-gloss varnish to suit the real subject. On a school machine, rather only suggest the prominent panel lines with a fine panel line wash, as heavy weathering does not suit well maintained trainers.

Who the model is for

• Modelers with experience who can handle a kit from a smaller production run
• Collectors of trainers and school aircraft in 1:72 scale
• Anyone interested in postwar European aviation and in the Brazilian Air Force
• Those who already have the S-11 or T-21 versions on the shelf and want to complete the line

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.