This modeling
endeavor is the result of a gift: I was sent the 1/72 Ae. M.B.2 vac kit by a
fellow modeler that produced the parts time ago as a “divertimento”.
The kit, as it arrived to my door, had few parts, and appeared very simple, with
no surface detail. No interior or exterior details were provided either, nor
transparencies or decals. The styrene was of adequate thickness, but the
extraction of some of the parts from the backing sheet was a bit difficult, due
to the lack of definite demarcation lines, especially on the wing leading edges.
Hey, that’s the small price we have to pay to be able to build esoteric
aircrafts.
No doubt the arcane subject made my eyebrows raise, being a plane designed and
built in
Argentina
in the pre-second WW2 years. The prototype was designed as a light bomber, but
eventually found another, more peaceful uses as a transport and even as a
crop-duster, which is the subject of this article.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The lines of the plane
were simple and probably the most remarkable features of the design were
the high-aspect ratio of the wing and its generous size. A limited number
of machines that explored some variations on the theme were produced, with
minor changes in the landing gear, window arrangement, rudder shape,
wing-to-fuselage fairings, fuselage covering and the fuselage top. The
lines and proportions were, as said, simple but somehow pleasant. The
design didn’t live long, but surely provided with some experience to
designers, builders and pilots.
After separating the parts I dealt with the areas that needed either
filling or sanding. After searching for references I added surface detail
and refined here and there. It took a some time, but it wasn’t
overwhelming.
A master was made for the canopy and a clear vac molded on and a cockpit
was scratch-built with a fair deal of components.
Once the fuselage was closed the dorsal area was modified (it was
chopped-down as per the military version in the vac provided).
Building proceeded to a point where I really needed to have a look at the
photos of the crop-dusting version I was aiming for. In spite of the help
of a few friends the images didn’t surface, so I half-guessed, based on
comments, that area. I glued the involved parts sparingly, so if at
certain point I can actually see some photos, I’ll be able to address
the possible changes.
Some external details were scratched, like a wind-driven generator on the
left wing, the carburetor intake, engine exhausts, Pitot –under the left
wing-, Venturi –left side of the cockpit, oil cooler and navigation and
landing lights. The latter equipped with MV lenses. Aftermarket parts were
used for the engine and the wheels.
I painted the
model as per its production companions, light grey, but no markings were added,
again, waiting for photos to appear. One of the references states that three
machines were adapted for cropdusting with two drums containing the product
inside the fuselage.
The research, corrections, fabrication of the missing bits and the building
itself surely took their fair share of time; nevertheless I have now the clunky
but rather charming shape of this model boasting its old refrigerator-like lines
on the desk.
Thanks to Luis Santos and the long list of fellow modelers that intended to help
with the particular cropdusting version. We didn’t find anything conclusive
yet, but I am sure you guys did your best. Nevertheless, the ever-enforced Chris
Banyai-Riepl law assures that now that the model was completed, the specific
references will for sure surface.
Gabriel Stern
Click on
images below to see larger images
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