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Potez 25 A2 Avion Grecque - 1:72 Grand Models


Paul A H

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Potez 25 A2 Avion Grecque

1:72 Grand Models

 

potez25a2_01.jpg

 

The Potez 25 was a French single engined, two-seater biplane designed in the interwar period and used widely by air forces around the world. A flexible design, the Potez 25 was used in a variety of roles, including as a fighter, bomber escort, light bomber and reconnaissance platform. The A2 variant was primarily a reconnaissance aircraft, powered by either a 520hp Salmson 18Cmb radial engine, a Lorraine 12Eb inline engine or, as in the case of the Greek machines such as that depicted by this kit, a Hispano Suiza 12Jb engine. The Potez 25 had a range of 373 miles and a maximum speed of 132 mph. Armed with 7.7mm machine guns, it was also capable of carrying 200kg of bombs. In total, over 4,000 examples were built, including many under licence. 

 

potez25a2_02.jpg

 

Grand Models are a relatively new name to me, but if this kit is anything to go by, the Greek firm have made a pretty promising start in the business. The kit arrives packed into a very sturdy box (with one of those box lids that fits so tightly, removing it is akin to performing a complex multi-point turn in the road), inside which are multiple layers of laser cut  foam that hold all of the parts. So well packed is this kit, that even the most wilfully butterfingered courier would struggle to do any damage. The immediate impression on prising off the lid is therefore very positive; so far so good. All told, there are 24 resin parts, a handful of cast metal struts, a small sheet of photo etched details and a fairly large decal sheet. The quality of manufacture looks excellent. The resin parts are nicely case and many of the smaller details have clearly been mastered using 3D printing technology. The decals look excellent and it is likely that the only parts that may need more serious clean up are the cast metal struts. They will at least be nice and strong, however.

 

potez25a2_03.jpg

 

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There has been considerable discussion about the shape of the forward part of this kit's fuselage, with many taking the view that the nose/cowling area is too deep. The Greek Potez 25s had a different engine fitted, so it's hard to make a definitive judgement based on a rather limited number of available photographs, but I have to say that in comparison to most photographs of Greek machines, it does look a little too deep. Some work with the sanding stick will therefore be required to improve matters as far as possible. As this is a resin kit, the part count is fairly low, with much of the cockpit detail cast in place inside the fuselage. Once you have removed the parts from the casting stubs, assembly should be fairly straightforward. The cockpit itself just needs the windscreen (made from folded photo etched brass and clear plastic) fixing in place alongside the crew seats, control column, rudder pedals and instrument panel. The rear-firing 7.7mm machine gun can be fitted at this stage, but it looks so delicate, I would recommend leaving it until the end. The lower wing is cast as a single part, as are the elevators. The vertical tail, however, has been cast with a separate rudder. 

 

potez25a2_05.jpg

 

potez25a2_06.jpg

 

The upper wing is also cast as a single, solid piece of resin, but the parts for the aileron control mechanism are picked out in photo etched brass. As mentioned above, the struts have been made from cast metal. Don't worry too much if that pile of parts looks intimidating though – only eight are used for joining the upper and lower wings together. The rest are for the undercarriage and tail skid. The propeller has been cast in three parts, with separate hub and blades. This part is bound to be delicate once finished, so take care and use nice strong glue. A comprehensive rigging diagram has been included and it seems to recommend rigging the aircraft before the upper wing has been attached. Of course it's entirely up to you if you want to go with this recommendation. 

 

potez25a2_07.jpg

 

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Grand Models have included two decal options, and as the title on the box suggests, both are for the Hellenic Air Force. Colour diagrams have been provided, alongside three small photographs of the actual aircraft depicted, which is is very helpful. No specific historical notes on the aircraft are included, but the preamble to the instructions includes a nice history of the type's use by Greece in the early stages of the Second World War. As mentioned above, the decals looks excellent.

 

potez25a2_09.jpg

 

Conclusion

 

At first sight I thought this was a rather unconventional model, but once it has been laid out on the bench it appears to be a fairly typical resin/multi-media kit – albeit one that has been packed and presented extremely well. Whilst resin isn't for everyone, I can see nothing about this particular kit that would present any particular challenges for the experienced modeller, particularly given the low part count and lack of seams to clean up. It is clear that a great deal of enthusiasm and pride has been put into this product, and that hopefully rub off on the eager recipients. It is a shame therefore that the nose appears to be slightly off. I'm reluctant to make a definitive judgement about this given my lack of familiarity with the subject, but I would certainly want to do some work to reduce the depth of the underside of the cowling, as well as sanding back the front of the upper cowling to match photographs a little better. If you're prepared to get stuck in an do a little of bit of work to address these issues then you will be rewarded with a rather nice little model.

 

Review sample courtesy of grandlogo.png

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Thanks Paul, looks like it's a great kit.

Huge spelling mistake on the boxart, should be "avion Grec", not "avion Grecque".

I see they have a TF-102 conversion, that's nice, but I can't get to it on their webpage....

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Thanks Antoine. Naturally I spotted the spelling mistake in the French text, but I didn't want to show off... :whistle:

 

Their website looks good, but I can't fathom out how to buy anything. I couldn't actually find this kit on there. Maybe give them a prod on Facebook?

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^_^

 

Grec.jpg

 

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235000776-172-potez-25-a2-resin-kit-by-grand-models-released/&do=findComment&comment=2540151

 

43 minutes ago, Antoine said:

(...)

I see they have a TF-102 conversion, that's nice, but I can't get to it on their webpage....

 

https://www.facebook.com/grandmodels.gr/

 

V.P.

 

Edited by Homebee
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  • 2 years later...

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