WHIRLYKITS

From Roger Evans of WHIRLYKITS (and WHIRLYBITS & WHIRLYBIRD DECALS) comes the Miles M.100 Student in 1/72. The box contains a color picture of the aircraft and is a nice, sturdy, protective container. The label contains a detailed description of the actual aircraft, parts materials and complete contact information.

Upon opening the kit, the buyer is presented with a colorful instruction sheet which includes the history of the aircraft, parts diagram, color schemes for all versions, and notes for steps in construction, color, decal application and references.

Inside the box are three separate, clear, plastic bags: one for resin parts, one for metal details, and one for the plastic, vacuform canopies and decals.

The resin parts are well cast, fit together good and are of a strong type of resin. As with most resin kits, some are still attached to the casting blocks so to remove them it is best to utilize a micro saw or hobby knife. After this some sanding and filing and filling will be necessary to ensure a quality model. For resin a cyanoacrylate glue (also known as superglue), expoxy or two-part epoxy works best. As stated in the instructions, the gel version will allow more time for parts manipulation. Once aligned, parts can be secured with the liquid version.

White metal details add to the quality of the kit as some will weigh the nose down to sit on the tricycle landing gear correctly. The molding for the metal will require no trimming, sanding or filing as the casting is excellent. Again the same glues will work for attaching the metal to the resin.

There are two sets of canopies in case one gets damaged or a mistake is made. Canopy and window detail is great and they fit will inside the appropriate apertures. Trim away from the excess plastic slowly and carefully with a hobby knife. Attach to the model with white glue to avoid any fogging or damage to the plastic.

Decals are WHIRLYBIRD DECALS and will require the same steps as IRMA decals as they are made the same way. Basically, after trimming the decals from the sheet, soak them in water for about 10-15 seconds then slide carefully onto the surface where they will remain. During this process a soft brush can be used to maneuver the decal into the proper position. A decal set solution can be helpful also to aid the decal in adherence to the surface. After drying a gloss- or dull-coat can help protect the paint and decals.

WHIRLYKITS are of excellent quality, accuracy and detail. The range includes some aircraft, parts and details not found anywhere else. If you are interested in these kits Roger Evans can be reached at: rgrevans@compuserve.com or by phone at: +44 (0) 226 345635. If you want to write to WHIRLYKITS the address is: 73 High Street, Wombwell, BARNSLEY, South Yorks S73 8HS, England, U.K. Please note that they have moved house recently, so the old address (Christ Church Vicarage, Doncaster Road, Ardsley, Barnsley) is no longer current, and any mail sent there will be lost.

WHIRLYKITS, WHIRLYBITS and WHIRLYBIRD DECALS are also carried by Linden Hill Imports (www.lindenhillimports.com) and the Aviation Megastore in Holland (www.aviationmegastore.com). Articles and reviews can also be found at Scale Rotors (www.scale-rotors.com).

-Zane R Nobbs, copyright International Resin Modellers Association©SM®TM, 2010.