Review from the DH-9 WNW

[Guerrero]

Hi All

DH-9a Ninak 1/32 Scale. Review for the magazine REPLIC in France

The De Havilland DH-9a entered service with Royal Flying Corps Squadron 103, Old Sarum, Wiltshire, in December 1917, and was assigned to France-based Squadron 1 in March of the following year. Originally meant to replace the DH-9, the chronic mechanical problems endemic to the Beardmore Puma engine installed in this variant resulted in inferior performance, thus negating the advantages the numerous cockpit improvements were meant to provide. However, swapping this bug-ridden power plant for the vastly superior Packard Liberty V12 resulted in a complete transformation of the aircraft’s capabilities. In late August, the DH-9a- supplied 110 Squadron of the newly re-christened Royal Air Force began operations, and as Bomber Command, continued to pound the foe until the end of hostilities. In the 1920s, use of this aircraft aided the policing of British territory in the Mideast and India. Many were also converted to civil transport planes, designated DH-9AS.

The model: 295 parts, with subtly recessed surface detail and superbly rendered fabric, 10 photoetch pieces, and decals for five versions.

Dimensions: length 288.1 mm, 437.5 mm approx.

References:


Handbook On The DH.9a Aeroplane, Air Ministry, 1924 - Schedule for DH.9a - Windsock International v20 # 3 2004 Windsock International v20 # 4 2004 - Windsock Datafile 139, AMC DH.9a 'Ninak' John Alcorn 2010 - The File DH.4/DH.9, Ray Sturtivant & Gordon Page, Air Britain 1999 - de Havilland DH.9a (RAF from 1918 to 1930), Profile Publications, Chaz Bower 1973 - The Vintage Aviator Ltd - RAF Museum Hendon - 1914-18 Aviation Heritage Trust - Colin Owers - Private Collections.

Versions:
E8483 ‘IF’ AMC Built, 99 Sqn., Oct. 1918
E8538 ‘E15’ AMC Built, C Sqn. USMC, Sept 1918
E8553 ‘N’ AMC Built, 155 Sqn, Oct 1918
F1010, Hyderabad No. 12A, Westland Built, 110 Sqn., Sept 1918
F1019.’C’, Westland Built, 205 Sqn., Sept 1918

The usual superb Wingnuts boxart surmounts a heavy and well-filled box containing a beautifully thought-out kit of the DH9a-Ninak, ‘Nin’ standing for ‘9’ and the ‘Ack’ for ‘A’, which comprises 10 plastic sprues, 9 gray plus one transparent. Mould quality is excellent; the 27 pieces making up the V12 Liberty engine make the power plant a model in itself, and two full pages of pictures of the original in the Instruction Booklet taken from every angle will make it easy for superdetailers to add ignition cables and wire the magneto while getting the component colours correct. And to prevent the ‘Egyptian Tomb Syndrome’ of beautiful work that no-one sees, the access panels can be left open so that everything’s on display. Take a hint from the new Tamiya Spitfire and install a few tiny magnets to help them stay in place!

A comprehensive framework subassembly fits perfectly into the fuselage, with options for early and later production variation. Plenty of photographs of the original airplane in the comprehensive Reference Manual/Instruction Book aid the novice modeler with elementary construction, while assisting the more advanced craftsman to undertake the superdetailing that 1/32nd scale permits. Parts mate smoothly throughout the build- you can pretty much leave the putty at the bottom of the drawer. The cloth covering is so finely rendered that the natural ‘hills and valleys’ plus the folds and stitching of the original can be seen, and the cockpit is absolutely complete- even the wicker seats are convincing. In fact, the designers at Wingnut Wings haven’t omitted a single component, each element therein having been reproduced with remarkable finesse.

To cite one example, not only is each dashboard instrument individually reproduced, rather than being generic (each gauge being a realistic and differentiated reproduction of the original dial) but the cables feeding from them are not simply straight plastic lines. Instead Wingnuts has taken the time and trouble to mould ‘gravity-affected’ wires which droop and hang naturally between attachment points, as they would have done in the original aircraft.

Radiators are beautifully crafted, with your choice of open or closed; the cowling fins being arranged accordingly. All control surfaces are separate, and the wings feature the usual fine fabric detail with admirable threadwork and taping. For ease of assembly the upper wing comes in three pieces to facilitate its attachment to cabane and interplane struts, and a valuable hint is provided in the instructions on how to position the model while the cement dries to maintain proper wing alignment. Two sets of tires, weighted and in-flight mode are provided, along with hubs for each, and the undercarriage’s positioning pins key in nicely so the structure is sufficiently sturdy to bear the model’s weight.

Three separate bomb racks can be attached, one central and two on the wing roots, with supplied ordnance of 20 pounds, 100-112 pounds, and 112 HERL Single Mk II high explosives. One offensive (Vickers) and one or two defensive (Lewis Mk II) machine guns are situated on the port side firing forward, and aft defending the rear, the number depending on early or late production. Rigging will take a while, but is comprehensively explained in the manual, illustrated with both drawings and pictures of the original aircraft, vintage and modern. I cannot praise said instruction booklet enough for its clarity and its photographs.

To sum up- I can’t recall seeing anything better- fit, detailing, and craftsmanship are superb. This kit is absolutely splendid and the quality of the moulding supersedes that of the largest model manufacturers of the present day- open a Wingnuts box; you’ll see what I mean, and I’ll happily stake my reputation as a modeler on that statement without hesitation. Now get the hell out there and buy one!



Marc Guerrero ,translation Jonahtan Hartman from England.