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AVI Models is to release 1/72nd Cessna O-1 Bird Dog kits Source: https://www.avimodels.com/index.php?id_product=40&controller=product&id_lang=1 - ref. AVI72020 - Cessna O-1 Parts V.P.

Roden is to release in 2016 a 1/32nd Cessna L-19/O-1 Bird Dog kit - ref. 619 Source: http://www.frogmodelaircraft.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=323 V.P.

After the 1/32nd kits (link) Roden is to release in Autumn 2018 a 1/48th Cessna L-19/O-1 Bird Dog "Asian Service" kit - ref. 409 Source: http://www.roden.eu/HTML/framenews.htm Box art V.P.

Cessna L-19/O-1 Bird Dog "Asian Service" 1:32 Roden The Cessna Bird Dog was a military version of the Cessna 170, called the Model 305A by them. It was developed to a US Army requirement for a two seat observation and liaison aircraft. The design featured a single engine high wing monoplane with a tail wheel configuration. This was the first all metal fixed wing aircraft ordered by the US Army after aviation was split on the formation of the Air Force in 1947. As well as the US Army the aircraft would be operated by the US Marine Corps, and the US Air Force famously in the Forward Air Control role in Vietnam. US Forces would lose 469 aircraft in the conflict in total. The aircraft would also serve in many other militaries around the world including Australia, Canada, Japan, Spain, and South Vietnam to name a few. Over 3000 were built and there are still some 300 on the US civil register today. The Kit The kit arrives on 7 sprues of plastic, a clear spure, a sheets of decals, and 3 lengths of wire for the aerials (not shown). The parts rattle around in a large box, and as the clear sprue was not individually bagged one part was off the sprue and others have been marked. The parts generally are well moulded, and the surface detail is very good, especially on the control surfaces. However there is some flash evident on the clear parts. This contains the same plastic as the initial USAF boxing so a USAF / US Army aircraft can be made if the modeller sources alternative decals. Construction starts with the engine which looks to be a detailed one. The main undercarriage units are then made up. Pilots seat is made up along with its bracing struts. and the rear seat is also built up at this time. The completed engine is mounted to the engine frame and then to the firewall. To the other side of the firewall the instrument panel is added. Care will need to be taken with the engine and mounts as the tolerances with Roden kits can be tight and if not assembled correctly then they maybe be a fit issue with the cowling. The completed seat can then be attached to the cockpit floor along with other flight controls. The rear seat should probably be put in at this time though is gone AWOL in the instructions! Next up the instructions have you build the tailplanes. These have antennas on the front held on by a front cap. Even though these are wire they are probably best left unto the end of the build. The final parts of the exhausts are now built up and attached to the engine. The clear parts and doors now need to be placed into the fuselage halves along with the tail wheel. The tailplanes and landing gear are then attached to the fuselage halves. The fuselage can the be joined together placing the cockpit in and the engine. The move-able tail elevators are also added now. We then move to the main wing. The top side is one part with left and right lowers. The observation windows need to be placed into the wing at this stage. Flaps & ailerons are separate but only shown in the neural positions. The main wing is then added to the fuselage and the bracing struts are added. The engine front and cowlings can then be added. The model is finished with the main top whip antenna and a couple of blade antennas. Decals Markings are provided for 3 aircraft, they are printed in house and look to have no issues on the sheet. Japanese Self Defence Air Force, JG-1043, unknown base, 1950s South Vietnamese Air Force, April 1975, flown by MAJ Boung. Royal Thai Navy, s/n 22860 (51-16973), No 1302, 103 Sqn, RTNB U-Tapao, ca. 1982 Conclusion This looks to be a good kit in the box, however care will be needed as Roden kits do need it when putting them together. Even in 1.32 this is not a massive model and should build up to look good. Highly recomended for a Big Bird Dog. Review sample courtesy of

This is my rendition of the vintage Airfix Cessna O-1E Bird Dog. Despite this being an old kit it was a pleasant kit to build. While there were some issues they were mostly self inflicted. The only real issue was the transparencies which were very thick and not very clear. I ended up using 2 kits Pavla interior, control surfaces and wheels. I also used the AOA decal sheet, printed by Microscale. The decal sheet included markings for several US Army, US Air Force, US Marine, and Republic of Vietnam Air Force aircraft so something for every one. The reason for using 2 kits was my attempt to use the Pavla wing control surfaces proved to be a disaster, so I needed a new wing. I did use the Pavla stabilizer. The color was a mix of Humbrol paints. Most pictures show 4 rockets only on the inner 2 pylons, but since I had 2 kits and I did find a picture with 8 I went with a full compliment. Looking at these pictures I just realized I forgot to paint the tail wheel. I'll have to fix that, Next up is Anigrand's Douglas XA2D-1 Skyshark Enjoy.

Warpaint Special No.4 Cessna Bird Dog Guideline Publications The Cessna Bird Dog was a military version of the Cessna 170, called the Model 305A by them. It was developed to a US Army requirement for a two seat observation and liaison aircraft. The design featured a single engine high wing monoplane with a tail wheel configuration. This was the first all metal fixed wing aircraft ordered by the US Army after aviation was split on the formation of the Air Force in 1947. As well as the US Army the aircraft would be operated by the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force famously in the Forward Air Control role in Vietnam. US Forces would lose 469 aircraft in the conflict in total. The aircraft would also serve in many other militaries around the world including Australia, Canada, Japan, Spain, and South Vietnam to name a few. Over 3000 were built and there are still some 300 on the US civil register today. The book looks at the development and use of the aircraft . The 63 pages include a lot of useful pictures with informative captions, as well as details of the nations that operated the Bird Dog with colour profiles of some, and a centre section with technical drawings. The is a walkaround section featuring an aircraft restored to US Army O-1E status. and representing an aircraft operated in South Vietnam between 1963-64. Conclusion The Warpaint series always gets a thumbs-up due to their inability to produce a dud! They are always well written and informative with a wealth of picture and profiles. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of