The Little World

New Zealand is a superb agricultural country. Their wool and meat, dairy and fruit, and all things related are absolutely first-class.

Their 1:32 scale model kits – when produced in China to NZ designs, are also world-beaters. Their 1:72 kits moulded in Rollaston, near Christchurch are an experience.

I have made one before – a CAC Boomerang – and know that something acceptable may eventuate – but it will be an adventure getting to that point.

The three sprue trees are in hard plastic with flash, sink marks, and fumbled detail all over. The main parts are commendably thick, and will need to be to stand the filling and sanding that is to come. There are two apology parts…

The vac-form canopy and nose incorporate a unique design decision that overlays the styrene with the clear part. Whether this will work is a moot point.

There is a delightful bag of whitemetal parts for landing gear, engines, and propellers that may just be the saviour of the experience. As I have been given this kit gratis, I cannot kick that decals are only RNZAF – I should not need them as it will be built with my own designs printed up.

The assembly sheets are detailed and possibly even useful – the whole making up to a kit that reminds you of garage productions of the 1950’s. It will not shake and bake in a half a day.