Italeri Short Sunderland Mk.1 1:72

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Inside

There are 6 sprues comprising what at first glance looks to be an impressive kit, packed with detail. If this is not enough Italeri also include a small etch set that includes seat belts and Instrument panel. Parts are crisp but I feel that the engraved detail is just a tad too heavy; you and I know others have a different view.

The fuselage sides are huge and you will need some space on the workbench for this one. The real aircraft is agricultural in appearance and Italeri have done their best to replicate this. Panel lines are therefore a little wide and a little deep for me but I really am nit-picking. It looks like a Sunderland and compares well with the Aeroplane Drawings I have. To be honest I am not a rivet counter as for me the model has to look right. In its kit form it absolutely does.

You will need to brace yourself for a raft of masking on this one with all the windows as well as two turrets; and there’s me as I am still getting over the Mitchell!

Inside Italeri has provided lots of detail much of which will be only glimpsed here and there. Just as well really as there is a profusion of ejector pins marks that will in some of the obvious areas need cleaning up! This will be tedious and I am sure is not necessary with modern mould techniques.

Minor details are excellent I really like for example the four browning’s and the beaching trolley wheels.

The Engines and props (nice shape and thickness) and cowlings all look good but I will reserve judgement until I get down to these areas in the build. I may fiddle around with the engines a bit but don’t hold ne to that.

The wings are nicely shaped and packed with detail but its here that I really feel that the engraving is over-done and looks a little toy like. Less is more in my view and for me it’s all a bit much and a bit deep and wide. Painting and weathering will help but I am not a fan of this type of detail.

The little etch set is nice and will be useful as it includes seat belts and instrument panel. An instruments decal goes behind it, which I like. For the squeamish a full colour decal can be used without the etch.

Glazing is clear and crisp the canopy may be a bit thick I will see when it comes to fitting.

Instructions

Instructions are clear concise and logical. A helpful sprue diagram is included and the text and diagrams are clear, well printed and easy to understand. To be fair I won’t know for sure until the build begins (this afternoon as I write this) but for me it’s a great start.

Painting

6 options are included. Painting guides are B&W four view and referenced to FS number, Italeri and Mister Model paints. All options are full camouflage with some interesting variations of EDSG and DSG as well as one in Dark earth and Dark Green. Some great choices here and it will be tough for many to choose their favourite option. I am going for the Gambian version but I do like the DE/DG version with aluminium undersides ort in another case flat black! Nice…..!

Decals

Decals are sublime and printed by Cartograph. They are in perfect register and the colours are spot on. The Gambian aircraft even has a nice piece of nose art! On the downside there is no stencilling provided at all which is a real shame. But to be honest in this scale it may not be missed.

Summary

Yes I wish it were 1:48th scale but you know despite my little quibbles here and there I love this kit as it stands. It looks great it’s well detailed, the paint schemes are interesting and evocative and the instructions look clear and concise. I hope that I can do it justice as the build will be dedicated to my late father in law. This one is for you Dad.

I am really looking forwards to building it and the second I send this to Geoff I am off to the den to start.

Overall I have to give these excellent kit huge thumbs up but with minor reservations. As I have highlighted it is not a 5 star kit but is I feel it is very worthy at this stage at least of 4 stars.

Highly Recommended
Les V.

SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5