Mark I Models Zeppelin L127 - 1:720 Mark I Models

[Paul A H]

Zeppelin LZ127

1:720 Mark I Models

 

 

The LX127 Graf Zeppelin was a German passenger airship designed, built and operated in the interwar period. At the time of its completion, it was the longest airship in the world at 236 metres and was surpassed only by the USS Akron in 1931. The Graf Zeppelin enjoyed a relatively successful commercial career, flying over 1 million miles prior to its retirement in 1937. Most of its commercial flights took place between Germany and South America, as the development of fixed wing passenger aircraft made it too slow and small (in terms of passenger carrying capacity) for regular operation between Germany and the USA. The Graf Zeppelin was retired following the Hindenburg disaster in 1937. Attempts were made to secure a supply of Helium - a much safer lifting gas - from the USA, but the annexation of Austria in 1938 put an end to this, and with it the German airship programme.

 

Mark I announced their intention to produce a series of 1:720 scale airships some time ago. They have covered the WWI era P and Q class airships via several different boxings, making this the second all-new kit in the range. Inside the box is a single frame of grey plastic, with the two halves of the hull seperated from the frame, presumably in order to fit them inside the box. The kit is limited run in nature, with the moulds manufactred from hardened resin. The plastic parts are nicely moulded, however, with crisp detail throughout. There is no flash present and the sprue attachment points are reassuringly fine.

 

 

 

 

As you might expect, construction is fairly straightforward. The main structure of the airship is split vertically down the middle, with the gondola moulded in place. The hull measures out at  just under 330mm, which is pretty much spot on. Aside from joining the fuselage halves, the only real construction work involved is assembling the flying surfaces and engine pods. There is a choice of two or four-bladed propellers depending on which scheme you want to finish your model in. A stand is included to display the finished model, along with a decal to identify the finished model. The finished kit is an impressive size for the scale, comfortably rivaling or eclipsing most naval warships of the era.

 

 

Mark I have included decals to finish the Graf Zeppelin at four different points during her career:

• Zeppelin LZ127 'Graf Zeppelin' First flights, 1928-29. This is the scheme she wore during her first commercial crossing of the Atlantic in October 1928;
• Zeppelin LZ127 'Graf Zeppelin' Round-the-world flight, 1929;
• Zeppelin LZ127 'Graf Zeppelin' Propaganda and commercial flights 1933-36. This scheme features painted flying surfaces, with the imperial German flag on the starboard side and the swastika on the port side; and
• Zeppelin LZ127 'Graf Zeppelin' Last flights, 1936-37. This scheme features the Nazi party flag painted on both sides of the vertical tail. 

 

Conclusion

 

Just like their P/Q Class Zeppelin, the LZ127 is a really appealing kit. It should look great on its display stand and will make an ideal companion for Revell's LZ129 Hindenburg in the same scale. Construction is simple and while the level of detail is slightly basic, it is as good as it needs to be in this scale. Recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

[SeaVenom]

I know this is an older thread but where did you see the moulds were made from hardened resin?    The parts look like they were taken from metal moulds to me.