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CAC CA-25 Winjeel Trainer 1:48 Red Roo Models The Winjeel (or young eagle) was developed by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation of Australia to fulfil a post WWII requirement from the RAAF for a basic/advanced trainer to replace both the Tiger Moth and the CAC Wirraway. It is strikingly similar to the Percival Provost developed for the RAF though the Winjeel had provision for a third seat behind the two forward seats. The first prototypes proved to be a remarkably stable aircraft, in fact so stable it was almost impossible to spin. As spn training was required the tail had to be re-designed. 62 production aircraft would be built with the first being accepted into service in 1955. They were initially retired in 1968 to be replaced by the MB-326 which proved unsuccessful so they were brought back until 1975 when replaced by the PAC CT/4A Airtrainer. After retirement from the training role 14 aircraft were retained for use in the Forward Air Control role armed with Smoke bombs, these were retired in 1995. The Kit The kit arrives from Red Roo in a sturdy card box. This is a true multi-media kit with mainly resin parts (grey & clear), white metal parts, photo-etched parts, an instrument panel film, and a pair of vac formed canopies, The kit has been produced in association with Special Hobby, The resin parts are very well cast with no real problems evident (only one small thin part had broken in transit). Construction starts with the biggest part in the box the main wing. Two cut outs need to be made on each side to incorporate the clear resin landing lights. In the top of the main wing in the middle is the floor of the cockpit. Here the control columns and udder pedals with their associated structure need to be added on. The seats then need to be removed from their casting blocks and their photo-etched seat belts added. Inside the left fuselage half the engine controls need to be added, along with a similar set which go into the main wing section. The fuselage halves can then be joined up and added to the main wing section. The tailplanes are also added at this stage. Construction now moves onto the business end of the aircraft. The radial engine is made up from a central hub to which the individual cylinders are added. The exhaust system is fitted behind the engine and the PE wiring to the front. The engine mounts are added to the front of the fuselage, followed by the engine. The one piece cowl is then fitted over the engine, The vertical tail/rudder is then added along with the crew seats and rear cockpit bulkhead. The rear cockpit decking and internal frame are also added. Next up the instrument panel is fitted with the instruments being decals with the front photo-etch. Different versions are provided depending on whether the trainer of FAC version is being built. Various aerial and scoops are fitted along with the tail wheel and main landing gear. The main gear is fixed and the legs come in re-enforced metal due to the weight of the resin model. Separate brake lines and gear linkages are provided in photo-etch. Resin main wheels are then fitted. Last up the prop is added to the front and canopy is added. The canopy is vac formed, thin and clear. Luckily two are provided in case something goes wrong cutting them out. Finally using left over material from the PE fret the modeller needs to fabricate trim tabs for the ailerons. A last item of note that rounds of this package from Red Roo is a CD containing a walkaround of the aircraft in case the modeller can not find much on line. Decals A comprehensive decal sheet accompanies the kit from Red Roo with 6 decal options. All national insignia, walkways and marking bands have been included. The decal sheet has had to be cut along the top to get it to fit in the box. The decal sheet is the same great quality as Red Roos normal decals, thin with minimal carrier film and no defects. The six options provided are; A85-401 - Overall Silver with yellow training bands. A85-450 - Overall Silver with Dayglo nose, tail & wing panels (50 markings on nose). A85-405 - Overall Silver with Dayglo nose, tail & wing panels (05 markings on nose). A85-438 - Overall Silver with Dayglo nose, tail & wing panels. A85-443 - Later Orange/White/silver scheme (43 markings on nose). A85-426 - Camo FAC Scheme, Nose art "Miss Behaviour" on nose. Conclusion This is a great kit of an important trainer for the Royal Australian Air Force. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of