AMP Supermarine S-5 1/72 AMP / MikroMir via A-market

[Julien]

Supermarine S-5

1/72 AMP / MikroMir via A-market

 

 

The S-5 was one os a series of flying boats designed by RJ Mitchell specifically to compete in the Schneider Trophy races of the 1920s. The aircraft was designed as an all metal structure following the crash of the wooden S-4.  The aircraft though was not all metal as the wings would feature a spruce main spar with ply ribs and skin. The S-5s came 1st and 3rd in the 1927 race. Later the first S-5 would crash during an attempt on the world speed record tragically killing the pilot RAF Flight Lieutenant S.N Webster. Mitchell then came to the conclusion that the Napier engine had reached its peak and looked to Rolls Royce for a new power plant which then became the S-6. These aircraft would ultimately lead Mitchell into designing the Iconic Spitfire, but that's another story.

 

 

The Kit

This is a new tool from AMP (Part of the MikroMir family) for 2020. This is a fine tooling on three sprues with excellent detail, there is a small amount of flash on some parts which should be easy to clean off. As well as the plastic parts the bracing wires are provided in photo etch. There is a tiny canopy with an even smaller mask. Construction starts in the cockpit which for the size is quite detailed with a control column, rudder pedals and other details going in. The frame is attached to the rear bulkhead and placed inside the fuselage which can be closed up. The engine covers and prop go on next which about completes the fuselage.  The single part main wing is then attached.

 

 

 

Next up the floats are assembled and added onto the main fuselage. All the bracing wires for these are provided as PE should the modeller wish to use the, Rigging is shown on the instructions if the modeller wants to make their own.  Now the wing ailerons, tailplanes and rudder can be added. Lastly the small canopy is attached.

 

 

 

Decals

There is no printer name on the decals, though they look good and are in register. There are three markings for N220; at the factory in 1927, in Venice 1927 when it won the race, marked with No.4 race number; then finally at Calshot in 1928.

 

 

Conclusion

Its good to see a new tool of this important aircraft in 1/72. Highly Recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of