Background

The Vought Kingfisher was an observation monoplane seaplane for the U.S. Navy suitable for launching from battleships. It was used in various roles including directing battleship fire. The OS2U-3 was an improvement over the previous OS2U-2 with self-sealing fuel tanks, armour protection, two dorsal and nose mounted 0.30 cal guns). It had the ability to carry 325 lb (147 kg) of depth charges or 100 lb (45 kg) bombs. It was powered by the 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN2 engine. In all 1006 OS2U-3 were built.

One abiding memory of my early years of plastic modelling, was receiving one Christmas the Airfix 1:600 scale HMS Suffolk. An odd choice for someone that had committed to aviation modelling at far too a young age. Never the less I remember opening the box studying the hull and superstructure with some interest, before being horrified at seeing the poorly moulded bi-plane spotter [I think it was supposed to be a Walrus]. Well years later I noticed amongst Eduard’s releases planned for October was a 1:350 scale Brassin Vought OS2U-3 Kingfisher, so I was curious to see how modern technology in the way of 3D printing would be utilised to produce such a small-scale subject.

The Kit

Eduards1:350 scale Brassin OS2U-3 Kingfisher release is obviously designed for the ship modellers rather than for display on its own right. Parts are placed in re-sealable bags and these are contained in a robust small box. I did notice a scale typo on the box, giving this a scale of 1:32 [I wish!]. Inside you will find:

• 2 x 3D printed airframes
• 1 x small photo etched [PE] fret
• 1 x small decal sheet
• 1 x A4 double sided instructions.

Included on the PE fret are parts to make a catapult sledge for both airframes. 

The complete airframe is 3D printed except for the PE propellers, radio aerial mast and pitot tube. The airframe looks superbly detailed for this scale. Eduard has thankfully avoided representing panel lines. Just the recessed lines between the flight control surfaces are represented. The nacelle has the cooling flaps in the open position. There is some fine raised detail on the floats and the canopy and windscreen. The Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN2 engine is nicely represented as are the float attachment struts and bracing cables. The propeller, pitot and aerial mast are PE. You might want to put a slight twist in the two props blades, but check references which way they are machined before twisting.

The two PE sledges look nicely detailed. Both are made up from two parts, with some folding involved. As is the norm with PE, there are recesses at the fold points, making life at lot easier particularly in this scale.

There are a number decals included all insignia. There are three styles of insignia:

• Blue background, white star, red centre.
• Blue background, white star.
• Blue background, white star, white bar with blue outline.

The positions of the insignia on the aircraft are indicated on the decal sheet. 

Build

There are numerous attachment points between the base and the model itself. It was easy enough separating the model from the attachment points using a new sharp scalpel blade. Just be careful around the outrigger floats. I found it best to cut down the length of the float rather than across. Obviously, some clean-up is necessary to remove residue from the attachment points. 

The PE parts were not too difficult to put together. There are no instruction on the folding of the PE parts for the sled. If you have some experience putting together PE parts  then you will find its pretty straightforward. Use the diagram in the instructions showing the completed sledge.

Conclusions

Hopefully this is the start of a new range of small-scale aircraft suitable for the ship modellers. Quality of the printing is very good. There is not much in the way of construction of the 3D parts, just some careful cutting away of the attachment points and clean-up. The PE sledge is easy enough to build. Hopefully the start of a range of aircraft suitable for the smaller scale used by ship modellers. Highly recommended

Great full thanks to Eduard for supplying the item for review.

653009 – Vought OS2U-3 Kingfisher – 1:350

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