Resin Avro Lancaster Propellers - 1:72 Pavla for Airfix Kit

[woody37]

Resin Avro Lancaster Propellers

1:72 Pavla for the New Airfix Kit

It's no surprise that with the new Airfix Lancaster in the shops, there would be aftermarket interest in improving what is already a great kit. More importantly, there's probable little complaining too, being such a popular subject. Pavla have recently released some replacement propellers to take care of both needle and paddle type units fitted to the Mk.I/III aircraft. Both sets come with complete hub units and separate prop blades that locate into the hub recesses. Moulded in light grey resin, they are fine replacements should you choose this route. A razor saw will be necessary to remove the hubs from the backing block

U72-147
The paddle blade props have a noticeably wider chord than the parts supplied in the kit. Comparing photographs of the real thing, they appear to be more accurate in this respect. The thickness of the blades is slightly thinner than the kit parts too giving a more scale accurate look. There are a few air bubbles present in some of the blades as you may be able to see from the pictures, however they are very small and easily dealt with.

U72-146
The needle blade props look very similar in chord profile to the kit parts, but again benefit from being thinner in thickness. A benefit of using these is the lack of sprue connections to carefully cut / file off and slight flash found on the kit parts.

Conclusion
For a subtle improvement, these sets will be handy. A blade setting tool would of been a useful addition to assist in getting the blades positioned correctly. The paddle set offers greater value in terms of giving a more accurate chord on the blades.

Review samples courtesy of

[HOUSTON]

Woody,

Nice review .. If MY late Uncle had been still living he woulda liked this as he was a LAC and worked on LANCASTERS while in the British RAF...

Great clear photos too.