Subject: Re: Hi Steve - Special Hobby Morane Saulnier AI Review follows
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Nicholas Moore" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:23:47 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Nicholas Moore 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Thursday, June 03, 2010 2:12 AM
  Subject: Hi Steve - Special Hobby Morane Saulnier AI Review follows

        Special Hobby

        1/48 Morane-Saulnier Type AI

        Product Code: SPH48099

        Available for about U.S.$41.00 from HobbyLink Japan http://www.hlj.com/

        Product Article by Nick Moore

        Special Hobby present a satisfying little packaging of this fine looking late war French  monoplane. The product is contained under nicely rendered box art and comprises two sprues of injection molded plastic parts, a fret of crisply detailed photo-etch, acetate backing to the instrument panel, acetate windshield, and three small resin parts. I have included a number of close-up shots that will hopefully allow you to see the standard of casting and detail of this kit.
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        It is a limited run kit of course but I think you'll find that there is some good detail present on this small model. The detail is occasionally heavy handed but can be forgiven or sanded off and replaced depending on your preferences. I particularly like the fabric and stringer surfaces on the fuselage and the cowling work around the cock-pit and gun bay. The stitching in this area is nicely handled and there is also a strip of additional PE stitching for the port side. A good collection of PE supplements the shortfalls in plastic and is capped by two very intricate Morane Saulnier badges to attach to the engine cowling. The decals provide for three schemes. They are detailed, clear, thin, in register and in nice clean colours. The artwork on these decals will compliment what is already a very attractive aircraft. Hopefully they go on as well as they look.

        Markings are:

        MS1591 Red 11 of Escadrille MSP 156 piloted by Sgt Walter J Shaffer February 1918

        MS1724 White 3 of Escadrille MSP 158 piloted by Sgt Rufus R Rand Jnr March – April 1918

        MS1583 Red 9 of Escadrille MSP 156 February 1918

              Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg 

                
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        In summary, Special Hobby have created the makings of what could be a great looking model if put together with the care that such a delicate limited run subject requires. The plane has a great experimental look to it with its single swept back wing. Images online show an AI (genuine or replica I do not know) with especially hot personalised Nungesser markings. Nice. I recommend this kit and look forward to seeing some superbly built up examples from the WWI modelling community.

        This kit can be purchased here: http://www.hlj.com/product/SPH48099

        I would like to thank HobbyLink Japan (_www.hlj.com_) for providing this review sample.
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