Revell De Havilland D.H.2 1:72

Price (UK): £3.50 approx (Apr 2011)

Review by: Geoff Coughlin

Our thanks to Revell Germany for supplying our review sample: www.revell.de

Background

The DH 2 reconnaissance plane went into service in large numbers at the French front from February 1917 and soon proved its superiority over the German aircraft. The Royal Flying Corps used this unusual type of aircraft successfully until the end of 1917.

Something to get you in the mood!

Click on Image to Enlarge/go back.

What’s in the box then?

Three sprue trees, decals and instructions.

Quality?

The overall quality is pretty good. There’s a little flash to remove from the mould seams, but this is easy enough to remove with a little skill and a scalpel/craft knife. The rear framework is commendably thin, with the main fuselage pod in separate sections. This is useful as you’ll need to paint the interior linen/dope fabric.

This model is tiny in 1:72 scale and perhaps therein lies its attraction. There’s no doubt that if WWI is your ‘thing’ – and many of us like to at least dabble there from time to time – the DH 2 is a major aircraft type flown by the fledgling RFC around 1916, and beyond.

You get a pilot figure that is reasonably well-moulded and fine for this small scale and could add to the final project if you display your completed model in a realistic airfield, forward operating field setting.

Decals

These seem fine at first glance. I’m not sure on the opacity of the white but this looks good on the sky blue backing paper. In addition, the sheet says it is printed in Italy and so there may be a Cartograf link here. The carrier film seems quite thin and looks ok – all positive stuff.

The aircraft featured in the kit is a de Havilland D.H. 2 ‘C’ Flight, No. 24 Squadron Royal Flying Corps (RFC), Bertangles, France July 1916.

Instructions

These are typical Revell and offer a reasonably logical sequence for assembly. As with all WWI subjects, you may well want to deviate from that suggested depending on your desire to rig the aircraft. Painting before assembly has often proved the way to go, but many modellers differ in their approach.

What’s the verdict then?

Recommended.

You simply can’t argue with a scale model at this price and the quality of the package is excellent. Why not give one of these kits a go? I am!

Geoff C.