Croco 1/72 Beechcraft Bonanza, previewed by Scott Van Aken

KIT #:
PRICE:
DECALS:	Two options
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	Resin with vacuform clear parts

The Beechcraft Bonanza is an American general aviation aircraft introduced in 1947 by Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas. The six-seater, single-engined aircraft is still being produced by Beechcraft and has been in continuous production longer than any other aircraft in history. More than 17,000 Bonanzas of all variants have been built, produced in both distinctive V-tail and conventional tail configurations; early conventional-tail versions were marketed as the Debonair.

The initial version was the V35, which is portrayed by this kit. It was a four place aircraft and though it was improved and stretched to six seats, was produced from 1947 until 1982.

THE KIT

Over the years, Croco has produced some very interesting kits. Since they are a short run resin kit maker, they can do subjects that we would not see from other manufacturers. Such is the case with this one on the Beechcraft Bonanza V35.

This is one of the less complex resin kits that Croco has produced and as such, would make a good introductory kit for those who'd like to give resin a try. The kit contains a fairly complete interior that consists of four seats, an instrument panel, control wheels and rudder pedals. This all fits on a resin floor to which a rear bulkhead is attached. Then it is fit into the two fuselage halves. Under this is fit a three piece wing with two outer sections and a center piece. The wings are notched such that there is a positive fit to the center section.

To this are butt joined the tailplanes and the three piece engine cowling. There is room in this cowling for weight, though I'm not sure you can put enough in there to prevent tail sitting. I'd personally put some under the floor as well if there is room for it. Just make sure it is forward of the main wheels. Atop this fits the vac canopy. You are provided two in case you need the second one.

On the underside you fit the landing gear, gear doors and exhaust. The gear legs are all wire reinforced so that they can hold up under the weight of the kit. This kit has a three blade prop with separate blades though the box photo shows a two blade prop. The aircraft could be equipped with either. One of my prop blades broke during shipping so I'll need to drill it out and install the small post needed to fit into the spinner.

Instructions are two exploded views showing the parts placements. It is interesting that the parts are numbered, yet there is no parts guide nor are the resin 'sprues' numbered. My review kit did not have decals, but the one you buy will have two sets of registration. There is no decal placement guide, though you can use the box photo and various images on the Internet as a guide.

Those who like civil aviation will be pleased with this one. It is an early version,