SE5a 1/24 ( I love kit ) GREAT WAR GROUP BUILD

I started this kit back in April and from the very start realised that it had many problems. The fit of all parts was good and the moulding ok but the detail and mistakes just kept occuring as I got into it.

It's supposed to be a SE5a but it has a 4 blade SE5 prop., the prop. shaft comes out in the SE5 geared engine position ( box art shows the correct SE5a position ). The undercarriage is the early SE5 steel tube type instead of the wood re-enforced SE5a one and finally the decals are for a post war 1920's aircraft.

I finally decided to just build it and modify as I go.

The cockpit had the wrong type of seat ( maybe a pilot changed it ),there were no seatbelts or headrest. Fitted some spare seatbelts I had and a headrest. The inspection windows on the wings were solid mouldings , so had to cut them out , fit pulleys, cables and clear covers. Instrument window forward of the cockpit starboard side was solid so cut it out and installed a clear one. It came with a side by side magazine for the Lewis gun so made a proper single one.

Used Decals supplied, converted the prop. to 2 blades and called it done.

DISASTER - had it on a shelf and a bag fell from shelf above collecting the model on the way and wrecked it , see photo.

Decided to rebuild it but properly as an SE5a on active service in 1918. The livery I chose was that of Major "Mick " Mannock 74 Squadron RFC. I included patched bullet holes from starboard tail to port wing as Mannock was known to get shot up a bit. Made a new SE5a type undercarriage and put the prop. shaft in the middle of the radiator.

Now its a proper SE5a.

10 additional images. Click to enlarge.