Roden’s entry into the world of 1/48th scale WWI aircraft is a most welcome one.

After Brett’s dissection of the contents, ( www.kitreview.com/reviews/sopwithstrutterreviewbg_1.htm )
it’s time to see how they compare against available plans.

The drawings used for the comparison are those done by Ian Stair. These are found in Windsock Datafile 34, published by Albatros Productions. It quickly becomes apparent that this Jack Bruce authored publication was a main reference source for Roden.

The wings match the outlines very well with all the cellon panels (early wing) and inspection panels being in the right place. The fastidious may want to round the wingtip corners a little more though. The one-piece upper and lower wings ensure that the correctly molded dihedral is maintained throughout construction. No excuse for misalignment here! Comparison of the tail plane, fin and rudder also revealed no problems.

The fuselage overlays the drawings perfectly and careful sanding of the mating surfaces will reward with quite a good fitting cowl and top deck. The cleverly designed tailskid allows the modeler to “fake” the open structure that is found to the rear of the fuselage. An area often missed by manufacturers when producing Sopwith aircraft, is the “ducktail” leading up to the tail plane. Thankfully, this is something that Roden did not forget. Equally impressive is the lattice effect around the cockpit that has also been faithfully reproduced.

The stringer detail on the rear decking, although correct, will provide a challenge when filling the seam. It may have been better if this was provided as a separate part, similar to the forward cockpit area.

The well-printed decal sheet provides markings for 4 aircraft. The good choice of subjects are varied enough to satisfy all tastes.

I) Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter 9407

This machine displays the colourful markings of No.3 Wing RNAS. FSL R Collishaw flew this machine on 10 November 1916 and claimed to have shot down a Fokker aircraft during a raid on Oberndorf.

II) Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter A995

A machine of No.70 Squadron RFC, this aircraft was flown by Lt. JH Gotch. He had some success flying Strutters, claiming at least a Halberstadt D.II and Albatros D.V in the type.

III) Sopwith 1.B2

A French machine of Sop.29 as flown by S/Lt. Vicente Almandos Almonacid in 1917. The Argentine flag inspired the sun emblem on the upper wing. The latest information on French built Strutters suggests that the linen was aluminium doped. Thus those that contemplate the French Strutters should bear this in mind.

IV) Sopwith 1.A2

This colourful Esc. Sop. 226 aircraft was also one of the many French built machines. As with the above aircraft, the “linen” surfaces were more likely doped aluminium. Roden label this as a reconnaissance machine, whereas Brian Knight’s cover art on the aforementioned Datafile show it with the “B2” designation. Sadly the photo of this aircraft on the inside cover does not clear up the confusion.

As expected, there is very little to fault with this kit.

Roden continue to provide kits that are good value for money and their debut offering in 1/48 scale is a worthy one.

Recommended.

Thanks to Squadron.com for the review sample.