The D.510 is an improvement over the very similar D.501. Like its siblings, it had a wide track undercarriage and was pleasant to fly. Improvements were a more powerful engine and a three bladed metal propeller as well as a larger tail from the earlier versions. 118 were built, most going to the French Air Force, where it entered service in 1936. However, a number of them were sold to other countries. 

The biggest order was for 24 aircraft from China, which at the time was in real need for aircraft in it's fight against the Japanese (as well as each other). Single examples were bought by Great Britain and the Soviet Union while Japan bought two. The biggest order was from Turkey who ordered 36 and wanted to build 30 under license. However, interest waned and the order was never fulfilled. Some aircraft were sent to Turkey, while others found their way to Spain for use in the Spanish Civil War.

Not sure if this is the same model as produced by Hit Kit, but the molding is similar to their Mystere IV. This is a true multi-media kit with parts in styrene, etched metal, cast metal, resin and vacuformed plastic!  It seems like the modeler could easily build either of the earlier versions as there is a two bladed wooden prop included with the kit, though the rudder would have to be somewhat modified or perhaps replaced with sheet styrene. 

Just to give you an idea of what is made of what, the vacuformed piece is the seat;  resin is used for the prop spinner, under fuselage piece, wheel spats, rudder, radiator, and fuel tank. Much of the cockpit is etched metal. The cast metal is used for both props and a few air scoops. 

The rest of the kit is in low pressure injected plastic. Detail looks quite good. Most of the parts have some flash on them and the mold lines are a bit thick, but that is typical of the genre. A nice touch is the already flattened tires. The wings and tailplanes are butt joined. Struts do not have prominent placement markings so that should be fun.

The instructions are three steps showing a general placement of parts. A few parts, like the prop shaft, tailplane struts, exhaust stacks, and guns will have to be made from sprue. No part painting guide is given. There is a decal placement guide for the three aircraft and only colors for the outside of the  aircraft are given.

Decals are for three aircraft. It appears that the standard paint for the planes was pale blue. I say this as the schemes listed as 'sans camouflage' list a pale blue and show Tamiya XF-23 or Humbrol 65 as the color. This is the scheme for the Japanese and the Turkish aircraft. Frankly, I thought those would be in bare metal or aluminum paint. The third scheme is the same as on the box top and that is a Chinese aircraft which includes Tamiya XF-61 or Humbrol 30 mottling over the upper surfaces.

Decals look to be usable and are glossy. However, the white appears to be rather transparent as they are barely visible against the light blue backing sheet. For those who are brave, the similar D.501 was sold to Lithuania so there is an alternate marking opportunity. I doubt if there will ever be an aftermarket sheet for this one!!

Well there it is. An interesting subject that will undoubtedly take a bit of skill and patience to complete. One thing for sure, it will draw comments when you show it.

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet! 

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