B.F.W. M.20b2 airliner, modified 1/72nd Planet Models resin

[Moa 31,639]

 

 

 

The somewhat stocky yet elegant lines of the B.F.W. M.20b2 passenger planes can now be shown in model form thanks to this kit in resin, released -long ago- by Planet.

The kit has reasonable detail, but still a bit more can be added, and modified to better effect.

Although a convincing replica in general terms, some research flaws on part of Planet show in a few places.

A number of these inaccuracies are described and corrected in the step-by-step building thread that you can see here:

Both decal options are flawed in some regards, as well as several details given for the depicted machines. I had to commission, as it is often the case, my own decal sheet to be able to render an accurate representation of the type. Arctic Decals came once again to the rescue and delivered a great set.

Why many kit manufacturers don't bother in the least to look at photos to check their plans is beyond comprehension to me.

Still, the fit of the kit parts and detail is good and in general I rate this a much better offering than their F.W. 19 Ente that I built a few months ago.

Besides the need to check references to correct the above-mentioned inaccuracies, the build went on quite pleasantly.

Many thanks to @CarLos for the help with research.

 

The machine represented here, an ex Lufthansa plane, went to Varig in Brazil in 1937. It served there until well after WW2, ending its long career in the scrap yard.

I posted in the building thread an interesting article that I found on the Net (translated from Portuguese) narrating the final days and adventures of PP-VKA.

I had fun building this one, in spite again of the necessary corrective research and the bit of extra work needed to obtain an accurate replica, but nothing insurmountable or too laborious.

I only wish manufacturers would be better checking those plans. The fact that something has a plan, doesn't mean you can blindly follow it.

However, in the end, we do have a BFW M.20, a handsome plane from the 30s for which I thank Planet, and also other manufacturers that venture into these less common regions of aviation, for the happiness of the ones among us that like them and understand and appreaciate their historical, symbolic and aesthetic value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Moa 31,639]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Moa 31,639]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Moa 31,639]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Moa 31,639]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SAT69 1,233]

I'm amazed! Curtains in the windows! That's talent, my friend.

[Herb 135]

Just lovely. Thanks again.

[Wulfman 925]

Brilliant modelling and presentation !

 

Wulfman

[Unfinished project 701]

Moa you’ve done it again another magnificent model backed up with superb photography

[Moa 31,639]

57 minutes ago, SAT69 said:

I'm amazed! Curtains in the windows! That's talent, my friend.

And what about toilet roll in the restroom, uh?

48 minutes ago, Herb said:

Just lovely. Thanks again.

Thanks, Herb!

9 minutes ago, Wulfman said:

Brilliant modelling and presentation !

 

Wulfman

Thanks, Wulfman!

4 minutes ago, Unfinished project said:

Moa you’ve done it again another magnificent model backed up with superb photography

You are too kind, thanks.

[Abandoned Project 617]

Any chance of some more pics, you haven't posted that many 

Super model and super photos 

[theskits62 37]

Another beauty !

[jeaton01 1,066]

This one has an elegant wing shape, must have been a good high altitude performer

[Moa 31,639]

45 minutes ago, Abandoned Project said:

Any chance of some more pics, you haven't posted that many 

Super model and super photos 

Well, I weeded the original 100+ down to 50 or so.

But I can always post the rest!

[Moa 31,639]

32 minutes ago, theskits62 said:

Another beauty !

Thanks!

2 minutes ago, jeaton01 said:

This one has an elegant wing shape, must have been a good high altitude performer

The highest here was close to the ceiling (avoiding the light fixtures), I would say about 2 meters.

It was a smooth flight, followed by a three-point landing at the desk, with a run that ended just before the superglue flask, aside the Tupperware hangar.

 

[Baldy 1,469]

Beautiful as usual Moa! A lovely looking design with a kind of efficient grace about it. Looks very much like the models I used to see in my Dad's 1940's Aeromodeller magazines - I guess it would have been a stable flyer. Great WIP as well - shows your attention to detail as well as useful techniques.

 

Bet you wouldn't have taken so many pictures when we had to use film!

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

[Space Ranger 2,504]

Another Magnificent Model from the Wizard of the West Coast!

[dogsbody 7,316]

Beauty!

 

 

 

Chris

[Moa 31,639]

2 hours ago, Baldy said:

Beautiful as usual Moa! A lovely looking design with a kind of efficient grace about it. Looks very much like the models I used to see in my Dad's 1940's Aeromodeller magazines - I guess it would have been a stable flyer. Great WIP as well - shows your attention to detail as well as useful techniques.

 

Bet you wouldn't have taken so many pictures when we had to use film!

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

Indeed the reminiscence is spot-on.

When you had film here, back in the old country we had stone engraving. It was hard work to document the builds.

 

[Moa 31,639]

52 minutes ago, Space Ranger said:

Another Magnificent Model from the Wizard of the West Coast!

You are too generous, sir.

Still, for all the kind titles you have -undeservedly- bestowed upon me over time, my wife remains unmoved, and just points to the trash cans that need to be taken out today.

 

[Moa 31,639]

4 minutes ago, dogsbody said:

Beauty!

 

 

 

Chris

Thanks, Chris.

One could perhaps say a 30's German beauty, of somewhat stiff, ample and firm hips (no disrespect intended).

 

 

[dogsbody 7,316]

12 minutes ago, Moa said:

Thanks, Chris.

One could perhaps say a 30's German beauty, of somewhat stiff, ample and firm hips (no disrespect intended).

 

 

 

The aircraft itself might not be classed as a beauty, but your build and photography certainly make it so.

 

 

 

Chris

[Space Ranger 2,504]

3 hours ago, Moa said:

You are too generous, sir.

Still, for all the kind titles you have -undeservedly- bestowed upon me over time, my wife remains unmoved, and just points to the trash cans that need to be taken out today.

 

Yes, our wives have a way of talking us back down to earth. Keeps us undeservedly humble.

[kapam 1,383]

The usual exemplary work and slightly off-centre subject matter - love it!

Always fascinated by these builds.

[Moa 31,639]

2 hours ago, kapam said:

The usual exemplary work and slightly off-centre subject matter - love it!

Always fascinated by these builds.

Glad we can share the joy and appreciation for these less common machines.

Cheers