Planet 1/72nd resin SPAD XI

By Matt Bittner

History

The SPAD XI was a two-seat fighter-development of the SPAD VII. Initial trials of the aircraft proved it was unsuitable in the two-seat fighter role, so it was delegated to the observer role. The primary reason was due to the engine; according to some reports, it was out of service every two of three days. Even with this deficiency, there were approximately 1000 made, due to attrition of other aircraft.

The Kit

The Planet SPAD XI consists of 39 resin parts and one decal sheet. The decal sheet covers the French Escadrilles SPA-Bi.34 and SPA-Bi.49, and a SPAD XI from the Belgian 4eme Escadrille.

Overall the kit is very good. The main parts are spot on for size except for one area. You can tell Planet used the Flying Machines Press (FMP) plans for the masters. Although the FMP plans are accurate in size, they missed one defining aspect of the SPAD two-seaters – the slope of the turtledeck. The turtledeck slopes 'down' from the back of the observer's cockpit to the front of the fin. Both the FMP plans and the Planet model miss this crucial aspect. Correcting it means the removal of Planet's longeron treatment, and this area will have to be re-constructed after the correction.

One other aspect Planet missed is the 'half-ribs' on the wings (the smaller ribs on the leading edge of the wings between the 'real' ribs).

While it appears the smaller details are a little soft in detail, they are definitely useable. The decals, though, are superb, and again are based on the color plates in the back of the FMP book.

Since the SPAD XI was designed with controls in both the pilot's and observer's cockpit, there should be sticks and rudders in both places. Plus, the observer had a fold-down seat in case he had to make use of these controls. Unfortunately Planet provides only a 'sling' for the rear cockpit, which should not be added, instead adding the fold down seat, and if you're pedantic, the controls, as well.

Conclusion

Overall the kit is very well done. Besides the two 'outline' errors noted above – the lack of slope in the turtledeck and the lack of the 'half-ribs' on the wings – the model is spot on for accuracy. With the cockpit corrections, one can build an extremely nice rendition of the SPAD XI with this kit.

The Planet SPAD XI is available from VAMP Online hobby shop.