Eduard Avia B.534 Early Series Dual Combo - 1:72 Eduard

[Paul A H]

Avia B.534 Early Series Dual Combo

1:72 Eduard

 

 

The prototype of the B.534 flew for the first time in 1932. Much like other comparable aircraft of the period such as the Gloster Gladiator and the Curtis P-36, the B.534 represented a bridge between the traditional biplanes of the 1920s and the all-metal monoplanes of the 1930s. The aircraft was effective, however, and in April 1934 it gained the Czechoslovak national speed record of 227.2mph. The later IV series would feature an all metal propeller, tail wheel and enclosed cockpit, but the earlier versions still had the open cockpit typical of aircraft of the period.

 

An order for 34 aircraft was increased to 147 with the prospect of war in Europe looming. In the event, the partition of Czechoslovakia meant that the B.534 never actually saw combat in the defence of its country. Slovakia was declared independent and their Air Force reformed using the B.534, and when Hungary invaded in 1939, two aircraft were lost to AAA fire and four more to fighters. Slovakian B.534s were used again during the invasion of Poland, escorting German Ju 87 bombers. These same aircraft later served with the Germans in the Ukraine in summer 1941, and returned in 1943 for anti-partisan duties. The last recorded use of the B.534 would be Slovak National uprising in 1944. One aircraft downed a Hungarian Ju 52, this being the last recorded aerial victory for a biplane.

 

 

 

 

This is not only a Dual Combo edition kit, it's also part of Eduard's Profipack line. As such, you not only get two kits in the box, but also two lots of photo etched details, masks and a generous selection of marking options. The kit is spread across three sprues of grey plastic and one of clear plastic. The parts are classic modern Eduard; beautifully moulded, with fine, crisp panel lines and realistic fabric effect where appropriate. This kit includes parts for one Series I and one Series II B.534. We've already reviewed the separate Series III and Series IV version of this kit, so I won't plough through the earlier versions included here in great detail. This kit is much the same as the Series III, but with the subtle differences such as the propeller spinner all accounted for. The cockpit is very nicely detailed for the scale, and sets the tone for what should be a very pleasing model to build. There are lots of little options to choose from throughout the build, such as fairings for the undercarriage, so do pay attention to which of these are relevant to the aircraft you wish to build. 

 

 

 

 

A generous eight options are included on the decal sheet:

• B.534.31 I. serie, 34th Fighter Squadron, Air Regiment 4, Hradec Kralove, July 1937;
• B.534.47 I. serie, 34th Fighter Squadron, Air Regiment 4, Hradec Kralove, September 1936;
• B.534.49 I. serie, 36th Fighter Squadron, Air Regiment 2, Olomouc, June 1937;
• B.534 I. serie, Jagdfliegerschule 4, Luftwaffe, Fürth, Germany, 1940;
• B.534.102 II. serie, 31st Fighter Squadron, Air Regiment 1, Hradec Kralove, May 1938;
• B.534.139. II. serie, Aerospace Research and Test Establishment, Prague, 1936;
• B.534.141 II. serie, 38th Fighter Squadron, Air Regiment 3, Vajnory, August 1937; and
• B.534.129 II. serie, Jagdfliegerschule 4, Luftwaffe, Fürth, Germany, 1940.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Eduard's Avia B.534 series is the definitive family of kits of the type by a country mile. The level of detail they have packed in is superb and the engineering is excellent. Add in all the extra bits that you get with the Dual Combo Profipack Edition and you have yourself a winning package. Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of