Pegasus 1/72 RAF SE.5 (Early) By Michael Benolkin

Background

The Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF) SE.5 entered service in early 1917 and was armed with a single Vickers machine gun firing through the propeller arc using a synchronizing gear (to avoid shooting through the propeller blades!). It was a rugged machine that could be maneuvered through strenuous dogfights and stay together. The major weakness of the aircraft was its 150 hp engine, which would be upgraded to 200 hp in later versions.

The Kit

The Pegasus 1/72 early SE.5 kit is a nice-looking multimedia kit, with the wing, tail and fuselage molded in light gray styrene, and the struts, landing gear and small details cast in white metal. Two fuselage styles are included in the kit, one with tight fabric covering and one with stretched (worn) fabric.

As with any limited-run kit, careful removal of the parts trees and plenty of dry-fitting of parts prior to gluing is required to achieve a low-stress project.

Markings are included for the aircraft of Lt. Cecil Lewis, which was also flown by Capt Albert Ball.

Conclusion

The color and detail of these WWI subjects are intriguing and I admire the work that modelers do with rigging these aircraft, especially in 1/72 scale. This kit will make a nice addition to that scale aerodrome on your shelf!

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!