Eduard 1/48 Lysander III

fdsafdsaThe Westland Lysander (nickname the 'Lizzie') is a British army co-operation and liaison aircraft produced by Westland Aircraft used immediately before and during the Second World War. After becoming obsolete in the army co-operation role, the aircraft's exceptional short-field performance enabled clandestine missions using small, improvised airstrips behind enemy lines to place or recover agents, particularly in occupied France with the help of the French Resistance. British army air co-operation aircraft were named after mythical or historical military leaders; in this case the Spartan admiral Lysander was chosen.

Over 15 years back, this kit was released by Gavia, an Eduard owned brand. So this is by no means a new kit. However, even the Profipack boxing is less expensive than the standard plastic kit that was the Gavia. Usually, I do not find the Profipack boxings to be that much of a benefit, but in this case, it is worth it to have the nice set of masks and the color photo etch (you don't have to use it all). It also includes resin ammo cans for the rear seat Lewis, which is also in resin. In addition the little intakes that fit in the engine are provided.

A very well done interior is provided that includes the interior framework. Rather prominent in between the pilot and gunner is a fuel tank and this is included as it can be seen under the clear canopy sections. Most of the photo etch is used here and this is a colored set so no need to paint the harnesses.

The engine is one of those deals that has a central block onto which all the cylinders are attached. I'm not fond of this sort of thing, nor the need to make all the pushrods out of plastic rod. Add to it that the prop hub and blades are separate items. Fortunately, we don't see things like this too often any more as that was a fad I'm glad has run its course.

The only place I found ejector towers, and they are small, are on the inside of the fuselage, wing halves and tailplane halves. The wings will fit onto a center section that is part of the interior build. Clear bits fit around this and you can do an open gunner's position, but not the cockpit. A ladder is provided if you choose the spy dropping version. Landing gear are well done as are the wing struts. A previous article on the Gavia boxing states that the mounting holes for the wing struts are too far outboard so you may want to double check this. A fuel tank is provided and it is a butt join with spacing for the proper placement of the mounts provided in the instructions.

Instructions are well done with Gunze paint references. Three of the five markings options are as on the box art and are planes from 309, 613, and 26 squadron in 1941-43, based in the UK. A green/grey upper with black undersides option from 161 squadron is a fourth option with an all black plane from that same unit in 1944 as the fifth. The decals are quite well done and there are aftermarket if you so choose.  

While perhaps not a kit on everyone's wish list, it does have benefits over the simpler, but much older Hawk kit and is worth seeking out.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westland_Lysander

March 2018

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