Supermodel were ( or are ) an Italian model manufacturer. I would say Mainstream - this model was produced in 1977, and it would have been very similar to the other big makers. It was reboxed by Revell in 2005.
The Bv 138 was introduced into service in 1941, 227 were produced in total, with various variants, including the minesweeper version ( same gear that ws fitted to the Ju 52 ). 3 engines - centre 4-bladed prop other 2 3-bladed. Nicknamed the 'Flying Clog'
A very tattered & battered box - this was an ebay purchase - more on that later.................
Sprue shots:
The parts are cleanly moulded, I can't see any flash, but they're pretty crude by todays' standards ( but by 45 years ago OK ). The only damage is one blade of one of the 3-bladed props is MIA.
Decals
Probably a bit suspect after all this time & those Swastikas look a bit skinny................................
Detail Shots
The magnet minesweeping ring & supports
Panel lines are all raised, as common in this age model.
Colour call outs are just names, like light blue, or dark green, but it won't take much research to translate those to RLM numbers. A large beaching trolley is provided
I haven't mentioned instructions - this was bought at a very good price from ebay, because of the state of the box and........... NO INSTRUCTIONS! Obviously no interest from collectors, but I knew I could get the Revell instructions! ( I've actually found the Supermodel instructions on Scalemates as well, but they're not very good! ).
It's certainly an unusual model, not complicated - out of the box it would be easy for a beginner to make a good job. For those wanting to go further, I've seen AM parts for canopy masks, camouflage masks & replacement vac-form transparencies ( the kit ones are a bit thick ), rescribing all the panel lines would really produce a top-class model.
Availability - only auction & pre-owned sites. Pristine sealed box models go for collectors' prices, but if you look for damaged/no box & no instructions you can find a bargain. I can't remember how much I paid for mine, but I remember being chuffed about the price!
Dave
The Bv 138 was introduced into service in 1941, 227 were produced in total, with various variants, including the minesweeper version ( same gear that ws fitted to the Ju 52 ). 3 engines - centre 4-bladed prop other 2 3-bladed. Nicknamed the 'Flying Clog'
A very tattered & battered box - this was an ebay purchase - more on that later.................
Sprue shots:
The parts are cleanly moulded, I can't see any flash, but they're pretty crude by todays' standards ( but by 45 years ago OK ). The only damage is one blade of one of the 3-bladed props is MIA.
Decals
Probably a bit suspect after all this time & those Swastikas look a bit skinny................................
Detail Shots
The magnet minesweeping ring & supports
Panel lines are all raised, as common in this age model.
Colour call outs are just names, like light blue, or dark green, but it won't take much research to translate those to RLM numbers. A large beaching trolley is provided
I haven't mentioned instructions - this was bought at a very good price from ebay, because of the state of the box and........... NO INSTRUCTIONS! Obviously no interest from collectors, but I knew I could get the Revell instructions! ( I've actually found the Supermodel instructions on Scalemates as well, but they're not very good! ).
It's certainly an unusual model, not complicated - out of the box it would be easy for a beginner to make a good job. For those wanting to go further, I've seen AM parts for canopy masks, camouflage masks & replacement vac-form transparencies ( the kit ones are a bit thick ), rescribing all the panel lines would really produce a top-class model.
Availability - only auction & pre-owned sites. Pristine sealed box models go for collectors' prices, but if you look for damaged/no box & no instructions you can find a bargain. I can't remember how much I paid for mine, but I remember being chuffed about the price!
Dave
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