OS2U Kingfisher
Corrected Floats

Cutting Edge Modelworks

Reviewed by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Meteor Productions

Cutting Edge's tribute to Monogram's old 1/48 scale OS2U Kingfisher concludes with their OS2U Corrected Floats set. This prominent aspect of the Kingfisher forms a resin trilogy with the Kingfisher cockpit and the Kingfisher replacement cowl already available from Cutting Edge (and reviewed earlier on HyperScale).

Some resin releases address subtle kit problems, but this new float will make a noticeable difference even when it is viewed across the room. The main float on the Monogram Kingfisher is around 35% undersized by volume compared to the Edo float typically fitted to this aircraft. This translates to the kit float looking puny when viewed next to the Cutting Edge item. Wartime photos supports Cutting Edge's dimensions.

15 resin parts are packed into the familiar Ziploc bag favoured by Cutting Edge.

The main float is hard to miss. It is delivered as a large, single casting. The part has already been snapped off its small casting block before packing, so the only cleanup required will be the swipe of a sanding stick at the rudder join line. Casting is flawless on this part and the balance of the set, with crisply engraved panel detail and raised surface features where applicable.

Monogram's wing floats are more accurate their main float, but the resin replacements are better detailed and are presented as a single casting. This means that there will be no tricky seams to tidy up. The casting blocks are still attached, but I simply snapped mine off with no damage to the resin part.

The remaining parts are mounting pylons, rudder parts, rigging fairings plus a single eye bolt and sled hook. The pylons are cast onto a slender block of resin. These should present no challenge to remove and prepare for assembly. However, note that the tops of the pylons need to be trimmed to compensate for a variable warpage in the kit fuselage. This is clearly explained in the instructions. The outer wing mounting struts for the small floats will need to be trimmed too, in order to obtain the correct nose-up attitude for the replacement resin parts.

Instructions are laid out on a single side of a letter-sized sheet. Seven photographs are supported by Construction Notes. You really do need to read these instructions if you want to achieve an accurate and hassle-free result.

This set will make an immediate difference to the "look" of your 1/48 scale Monogram Kingfisher.

If you take the trouble to modify the kit to accept these new floats, then you will also probably want the replacement cowl and superdetailed cockpit from Cutting Edge. You’ll also need the Engines and Things engine. Oh, and the Yellowhammer decals. The Squadron canopy will be a nice finishing touch too. The accessory investment will add up to more than USD$60 for this USD$12 kit.

Apart from the cost, some experience working with resin conversions will be helpful for this project. To achieve a consistent finish to the kit I would recommend rescribing the panel lines on what remains of Monogram's plastic parts.

The result will be a model that is mostly resin, mostly accurate and stunningly detailed.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Meteor Productions for the review sample.

Cutting Edge Modelworks products are available from Meteor Productions Website

Review and Images Copyright © 2002 by Brett Green
Page Created 21 January, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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