The Little World

I have passed the Hobby Boss Dewoitine D-520 kit on the hobby shop shelves for a couple of years now with no regrets. I’d built a Morane Saulnier and a Caudron and the prospect of an diminutive French plane was no urgent call. But I’ve recently borrowed one of those profile books of WW2 fighters and it gave quite a flattering review of this plane. Well, nothing ventured…

The fuselage and wing of this kit are superbly moulded in the easy-assembly manner. Evidence of real skill with a slip-moulding machine.Everything corralled neatly on that inner tray. After a recent experience with a lost part from a Czech kit, I have come to appreciate this level of attention to safe packing.

I also appreciate the clarity and precision of the canopy – compared to another model purchased at the same time – a Polish one – it is like day and foggy night. When you consider the fact that the models both sold at the same price, the poor moulding and materials of the European one make it unattractive in retrospect.

There are two choices of OOTB scheme. As it will share the Gallic section of the Air Museum with the Morane Saulnier, I am not so fussy as to seek aftermarket variants. And so far I am resisting any temptation to start modelling German, Vichy, Italian, or other European Axis planes in their government’s liveries. Captured examples only, so far. So no Vichy red and yellow stripes.

I do not know yet how to do the three-tone camouflage scheme easily and with blended edges. I guess it is time to experiment until it can be done.

Perhaps it can be done in time for Bastille Day.