MH Models 1/72 3D Printed Aircraft Engines
By Matt Bittner
Overview
When 3D printed aftermarket started to proliferate, I thought this would be a good technology for modeling aftermarket parts. One of my hopes was for companies to release 3D printed engines to be used with aircraft, especially rotaries and radial engines. Since one of my modeling interests is WWI aircraft, the need for aftermarket engines is a great need, especially rotaries. Being a person that has a lot of Aeroclub white-metal and other aftermarket resin engines, the older technology had its limitations. All of that has been superceded with 3D printing. The level of detail now possible with this newer technology is phenomenal. No longer is there the need to scratch build details to add to rotary engines - for example rocker arms - instead that detail is built into the piece.
You can also see the progression of this technolgy through time as well. With the earlier 3D prints the manufacturer didn't worry about such things as rocker arms, etc., instead still relying on the modeler's ability to add that detail themselves. But with the newest generation oof 3D printers, and the skill of the person creating the part, anything and everything is now put into "the print". That is where these engines by MH Models truly shine.
The Engines
MH Models was generous to send three 3D printed engines to review: the Clerget 9B (meant for the KP Avro 504); the Le Rhone 9J (also meant for the KP Avro 504); and the only radial engine, the Walter NZ-60 (meant for the KP BH-9/10/11). While MH Models lists the specific models the engines are for, there's no reason why they can't be used with different models/aircraft. My main use for the Clerget will be in a French Sopwith Strutter, and the Le Rhone will be used in Nieuport 17s and derivatives.
Walter NZ-60
|
Clerget 9B
|
These prints are exquisite and highly detailed. As I typed above, the rocker arms, etc. exist and are too-scale, everything you could imagine on these engines actually exist in the print. I have a few 3D printed engines from other manufacturers and these are, by far, the best. In fact you can see in one of the photographs how the MH Models (in "orange") compares to the Print Scale engine (in "gray"). While the Print Scale Le Rhone comes with the carburetor printed on the back of the engine, the detail on the rest of the print isn't up to the high standards set by MH Models.
Le Rhone 9J
|
Le Rhone 9J with Print Scale
|
I have no qualms with recommending these engines for super detailing your models. The level of detail is just outstanding and with the correct painting, washes and dry brushing, the detail will really "pop".
Huge, huge thanks to MH Models for sending these engines in to review. Now to add them to my models and make them shine.
And if only we can get someone to release a Le Rhone 9C.