1/350 Sunderland Flying Boat kit preview
Reviewed by Timothy Dike
 
RESIN PARTS
L'Arsenal has been releasing a lot of aircraft, not only in their Aero line, but also in the typical ship building scales. This one should be a pleasant surprise to most modelers. The Short Sunderland flying boat, a monster aircraft a bit larger than the typical PBY. This preview shows the pre production parts. The final kit parts may be a little different. Besides just the wow factor of having this aviation giant in 350 scale, there are some really cool features on this kit.  Click images
to enlarge
This first is the way it assembles. The wing root has a negative taper so that it has to be slid into the fuselage from the side. This helps hold it in place and also helps hide the seam. The rail surfaces have a similar fit. 
But the one thing I like most is the locator slot on the vertical tail surface. I was able to dry fit the parts with perfect location as shown above in the last two images. Yes I am aware that the tail is leaning slightly, but then I didn't glue it. Floats are also provided, but mine didn't have any locator holes on them. 
 
PHOTOETCH
A fret of propellers, and float struts are provided to give the aircraft more detail. 
DECALS
Not ready at the time of this preview. But here is an image of the pre production decals. 
CONCLUSIONS

By the time you read this preview, the real kit should be available for sale. You can probably imagine the diorama possibilities with this bird. 

This is kit #AC350-81 Short Sunderland, (late Mk, 1 a/c, p/e & decals) for $11.00 US. 
You can order them from L'Arsenal, or from Tony Bunch @ L'Arsenal USA or wherever fine ship accessories are sold. 


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