1:72 Letov Š-16

Letov S-16 1:72 (Brengun)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Czechoslovak bomber and reconnaissance biplane of the 1920s in 1:72 scale from Brengun. It is a short-run kit that, besides the injection-molded plastic, contains according to the manufacturer a photo-etched fret, clear film for the windshields and decals for several machines. As with every biplane, expect rigging and the fitting of the interplane struts. The exact contents follow the particular boxing.

The real subject

The Letov S-16 was a single-engine two-seat biplane by the designer Alois Smolik, built by the Czechoslovak Letov works. Development began in 1925 and the prototype flew in 1926. The structure was all-metal with fabric covering. The machine served in the reconnaissance (S-16) and bomber (SB-16) roles with the Czechoslovak Air Force and was also exported. One of the S-16s became famous for a long-distance flight from Prague to Tokyo and back in 1927.

Building and painting tips

As with short-run kits, expect more careful cleaning up of the parts and deliberate gluing, with the surfaces dry-fitted before they are joined. Glue the photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate. Finish and paint the interior before you close the fuselage. The key points are the precise seating of the upper wing and the struts and the rigging that follows; the wires can be imitated with stretched line or thread. Apply a primer before painting.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of Czechoslovak interwar aircraft
• Modelers with a liking for biplanes and rigging
• Fans of the Prague to Tokyo flight and of less common subjects
• More experienced builders

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