The XPQ-14 was first flown in 1942 and began to be received in training units shortly after. The aircraft was flown unmanned, controlled by radio, but was flown by a pilot for ferry flights, using a rudimentary control panel installed for that purpose and using their parachutes as a seat. Docile and easy to fly, the aircraft was finished in a bright red target color scheme although operationally, a silver or red finish was applied. Without a pilot they were flown from a "mother ship" aircraft. The typical mother ship was a Beech C-45. Despite their short lifespan, the aircraft performed well and the Franklin engine was considered "trouble-free". Most of the Culver target aircraft were "blasted out of the sky" by Army anti-aircraft gunners but a dozen or more survived and were surplused after 1950. Flown as a recreational aircraft, their new owners found that the aircraft had a sprightly performance. Several of the nearly 2,000 aircraft built are still extant either in museums or flying.

THE KIT

To my knowledge, this is the first 1/48 kit of this aircraft with several short run or vacuform kits being produced in 1/72 scale. Clear prop also does a later PQ-14B, which was built in slightly fewer numbers. Thankfully, this kit does not have any photo etch nor is there any resin. No canopy masks are provided, but if you want to spend more money, you can get a set from CP.

The parts count on this one is not all that high, but there are enough small bits to satisfy detail enthusiasts. The interior is where most of the smaller pieces are used and that includes a floor, seat control stick assembly, rudder pedals as well as the nose gear well and the framework. Once built up, the area forward of the cockpit seems to be large enough to hold the 8 grams of weight needed to keep it from tail sitting. There is sidewall detail and the kit comes with decals for the instrument panel.

A false engine front is provided so there will be something to see when looking in the forward engine cooling openings. Once the fuselage halves have been joined, one then attaches the two engine side panels. Note that a hole needs to be opened on the upper cowling for an intake scoop. Wings are a full lower section with upper halves. The instructions indicate that you need to make a rudder trim tab out of plastic card, however, the kit includes a rudder that provides this feature.

At this point, the lower fuselage insert and wings are attached. In addition the ailerons, horizontal stab and rudder are attached. With that out of the way, work turns to building up the landing gear. This can be installed after painting if one so desires. This is followed by various scoops, exhausts, the prop, and the clear bits. Though the canopy is separate, it is shown modeled in the closed position.

Instructions are well done with Mr.Color and Mig color references. Both options are in overall red with the box art plane having white panels on the cowling. If doing the box art plane, it would be wise to paint the side panels prior to final assembly to alleviate any need for masking those items. The decal sheet is pretty basic and is well done. Don't go looking for aftermarket as you will surely be disappointed.

CONCLUSIONS

Nice to see this one released. For sure it will make a nice addition to any collection and will not take up much space on your display shelf.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culver_PQ-14_Cadet

July 2024

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