1:720 Zeppelin P-class LZ47

Zeppelin P class, LZ47 Spotted Cow (1:720, Mark I Models)

A small but rewarding injection-molded plastic kit of a rigid Zeppelin airship of the P class in 1:720 scale from Mark I Models. Specifically it is the ship LZ47 with the period camouflage nicknamed Spotted Cow, that is with irregular blotches. The box contains the hull parts, the tail surfaces, the suspended gondolas and a display stand; two marking options are available. The small scale puts the emphasis on a clean joining of the long hull and on the fine parts of the gondolas and the stabilizers.

The real subject

The airships of the P class were the most widespread type of German wartime zeppelins. The basis was a rigid metal lattice frame covered with a tensioned fabric, inside which were gas cells filled with highly flammable hydrogen. The ship carried vertical and horizontal tail surfaces with rudders, and the crew and the engines were placed in gondolas suspended under the hull. The LZ47 was one of the army ships and was used for reconnaissance and bombing.

Building and painting tips

Glue the hull halves with a thin plastic cement and sand and fill the joint carefully along its whole length so that the mold seam line disappears. Glue the small gondolas and the propellers only after the hull is painted. The Spotted Cow camouflage is best done with an airbrush or by stippling; at the end unify the surface with a matte varnish and add the stand.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of First World War equipment and of aviation history.
• For modelers who like unusual subjects and small scales.
• For lovers of airships and rigid structures.
• For a quicker build for the display case without the need for much room.

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