Modelart by Marco
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Background
We are all familar with various aircraft, but without a powerplant of some sort, the original would never have taken wing. Therefore it was with some excitement that I learnt that John Marco was to be producing a line of 1/8 scale WWI engine kits. During the mid-90s, John produced a well respected line of 1/24 multi-media kits, but for the last few years he has been laying low. . well he has now returned.
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The first two releases are the 160 Hp Mercedes D.III inline engine which was used to power many of the well-known German aircraft, and the equally well-known Hispano Suiza used in the SPAD VII and SE5. The Hisso is the subject of this review, while the Mercedes will form a later build article.
The Hispano-Suiza (Spanish-Swiss) engine was designed by Marc Birkigt and was one of the first to make use of aluminum in its contruction. Originally of 150Hp it was used with great success in the SPAD VII and SE5. Later versions developed 180 and 220Hp , and these were used in the SPAD XIII, SE5a and Sopwith Dolphin.
The Kit
Packaged within a thick plastic bag, the first thing one notices is the weight of the model .. no lightweight model here. All of the parts are very well cast – I found no bubbles – in a tan resin. The only downside of the casting is that every part is on a thick wafer which will require some sanding to remove. There are over 80 parts all told, as well as a length of wire and rod.
Returning to the various parts, the main portions are the six parts which make up the block and cylinder banks. The block is in two parts - top and bottom, while each of the two cylinder banks is also in two parts, and it is the sanding of these large pieces that should present the biggest challenge. Although I don't know all the parts of an engine, I can pick out loads of spark plugs, gaskets as well as others that I know not. Luckily there are detailed drawings showing construction in eight steps. There are also extra bolts included in case any of those cast in place are accidentally destroyed while doing kit prep.
Finally there is a four part display stand as well as a small plaque describing the engine.
Conclusion
Although the casting of the Hisso is among the best I have seen so far, the effort that will be required to get the main parts ready for building make this one for the experienced builder who wants something different in their collection.
Myself I am looking forward to getting to work on this one as soon as I have a little free time. Actually, I received the kit a week ago and it has been an effort to not start cleanup as I was hoping to borrow a digital camera to photograph the parts. . that never happened so I scanned the parts instead, but now that it is done .. I CAN START IT !!!!
My thanks to John Marco for the review sample. For further information contact
Modelart by Marco
Post box 102542
D-45025
Germany
Next kit for release is the Liberty 12 - anyone for building a 1/8 scale Douglas World Cruiser?
