Roden 1/32nd R.A.F. SE5a w\Wolseley Viper By Rick Geisler

The Kit

Roden's 1/32nd scale SE5a w/Wolseley Viper contains approximately 157 injection molded parts and a clear acetate sheet with 3 windscreen options and the clear panel for the upper fuselage. Decals are included for 5 aircraft, including the SE5a with striking all red fuselage flown by Duncan Grinnell-Milne during the post war period. Also included are markings for aircraft flown by Mannock, Bishop, and Beauchamp-Proctor. The last scheme is a post war SE5a from the 25th Aero Squadron, U.S.A.S. No instrument decals are included. A glossy catalogue featuring the Roden product line is also included.. Upon opening the box one can not help but notice the similarity between this kit and the earlier 1/48th scale release. All of the major components, wings, fuselage, interior, etc, are enlarged, somewhat refined ,versions of the 1/48th kit. Unfortunately this includes the lack of a clear part option to detail the inspection panels for the control wire pulleys, the same decal option being supplied in this kit as in 1/48th,& 1/72nd! Some parts are marred with sink marks, most notably the props and Vickers gun. On the plus side, Roden has vastly improved the finer details such as the Aldis sight and its’ attachments, the Foster mount for the Lewis gun, bomb attachments, etc. The gun mount in particular is well done with the lightening holes actually represented by openings rather than merely impressions of holes! Finally the most impressive “New” feature of this kit is the Wolseley Viper engine that is included. The engine contains 42 pieces and leaves little to be added except some wiring!

Construction begins with the engine which covers five steps. This is, as the cliche goes, a kit within itself! Study the instructions carefully as the parts locations for the piping and other small parts looks somewhat vague. As in the 1/48th scale version construction appears to jump around, but generally carries one through sequences concerned with the interior. Rudder pedals are attached to the lower wing section, then the tail plane is assembled. Next the Vickers gun butt and the acetate for the clear panel on the upper fuselage are added. The next sequences take the modeler through assembly of the engine mounts, instrument panel and spare ammo drums. By step 11 one begins to put the subassemblies and remainder of the interior in place, finishing with the joining of the fuselage halves and addition of the lower wing and tail surfaces. Step 14 covers adding the engine cowling, exhausts, headrest, Vickers, and other external details. Next up is assembling the landing gear. Step 15 includes attaching the Cabane and Inter-plane struts, then attaching the upper wing. Step 17 covers the bomb rack assembly. Final assembly sequences include attaching the landing gear, Lewis gun, bomb rack if used, and propeller.

Conclusion

This kit represents a long awaited model of a highly important WW1 aircraft in this scale. By choosing to enlarge the 1/48th kits basic design Roden undoubtedly disappointed some WW1 modelers. At a retail of around $58.00 expectations were that, as in their Albatros, separate control surfaces, better interior detail etc. would be included. That being said, I personally feel Roden has given us plenty to work with to make an outstanding replica! The engine is a gem, the outline is correct, and the imminent release of Photo etched updates will make this a popular model. I highly recommend this kit.

Thanks to Matt Bittner and Roden for the review sample.