/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0885.JPG
Historical background.
------------------------------------
The Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 was the first modern aircraft of its category to go into service in the units of the Armee de I'Air. The project was launched on the basis of specifications issued in 1934, and the prototype (built in great secrecy) made its first flight on August 8, 1935. Designated the M.S.405, it was a low-wing monoplane with retractable landing gear, powered by an 860 hp Hispano-Suiza 12 Ygrs engine. It had an all-metal airframe with a covering of aluminium, plywood, and canvas, and an enclosed cockpit. The armament consisted of a 20 mm cannon installed in the propeller shaft and two machine guns in the wings. At the beginning of 1937, the company received an order for 15 pre-series aircraft, and the second of these (which took to the air on May 20, 1938) became the progenitor of the M.S.406, the differences consisted mainly in the use of a different engine, a different type of propeller, and in structural modifications, especially to the wing.
Fighter Morane-Saulnier MS.406C1 been used by the French Air Force since the beginning of World War II. it is to the capitulation of France pilots flying on these aircraft shot down 191 enemy aircraft and 89 demaged. After the capitulation of France on the French aircraft flew MS.406C1 aviation pilots Free French in Egypt and initially also the first squadron GC Alaska Free French in Great Britain.
The M.S.406 had a parallel career in Finland. They were used in combat during the Winter War, against the USSR and carried out 259 operational sorties and shot down 16 Soviet aircraft. In modified form, the M.S.406 were later involved in the Continuation War. Between November 1939 and 4 September 1944, Lv28 scored 118 aerial victories flying the Morane M.S.406 (the unit flew Bf 109Gs for a time, as well). The unit lost 15 aircraft. Total Finnish kills amounted to 121. The top Morane ace in all theatres was W/O Urho Lehtovaara, with 15 of his 44.5 total kills achieved in Moranes.
These aircraft were also used by the Vichy government aviation, Turkey, Bulgaria, Switzerland and Italy. Also, Croatia's fascist government aviation and Luftwaffe training units. The longest aircraft used in Switzerland, where it was withdrawn only in 1959.
Specifications (Morane Saulnier MS.406)
Type: Single Seat Fighter
Design: Morane Saulnier
Manufacturer: Morane Saulnier, SNCASO, Dornier-Werke Switzerland
Powerplant: One 860 hp (642 kw) Hispano-Suiza 12Y 31 12-cylinder inverted Vee, liquid cooled, piston engine.
Performance: Maximum speed 302 mph (486 km/h) at 16,400 ft (5000 m); service ceiling 30,840 ft (9400 m).
Range: 497 miles (800 km) with internal fuel stores.
Weight: Empty 4,178 lbs (1895 kg) with a maximum take-off weight of 5,600 lbs (2540 kg).
Dimensions: Span 34 ft 10 in (10.65 m); length 2 ft 9 in (8.15 m); height 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m); wing area 172.16 sq ft (16.0 sq m).
Armament: One 20 mm Hispano Suiza HS-404 (or HS-59) gun (60 rounds) and two 7.5 mm (0.295 in) MAC-1934 guns (300 rounds each).
Operators: France, Croatia, Turkey, Finland, Switzerland, Vichy France, Germany.
Model.
The model consists of a dozen parts cast from gray plastic. Molded parts are clean, with no mold shifts or flash. Panel lines are delicate and engraved. The texture and quality of the material make a decent impression - treatment should be easy and painless. The quality and the details of elements is satisfying, although it is not overly done - thanks to this a model will be a good choice for a beginner and advanced modelers (this last one will receive a good base for enhancements and modifications). I have strange feeling that KITECH are using old Hobbycraft molds (like for Dornier Do-17Z in this same scale). If so, maybe they will bring to the market a few others practically unattainable models of this manufacturer (of which I would be very happy).
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0886.JPG
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0888.JPG
Glass elements are clear and transparent. A separate canopy allows one to model the aircraft with it in the open position and show off the cockpit. My test fitting of the main parts suggest that putty, files and sanding will be minimal and limited to cosmetic improvements and filling small gaps.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0892.JPG
Decals and assembly instructions.
Decals are the weakest element of each model produced by KITECH - the technology used for printing and their quality resembles the decals from first short run kits made during the eighties. Decals are printed quite thick and lack detail. Additional concern is the texture of the decals base - it raises concerns about the fragility (possible fracture) and a weak response to softening lotions.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0891.JPG
The instructions are printed on both sides of a big sheet. The first page includes a brief description of the aircraft (the history and technical data) and the paint scheme. On second is printed an assembly chart shown in 10 steps. They are clearly and logically illustrated - building the model should not be a problem
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0889.JPG
With the KITECH decals we can finish the model in two schemes:
1. Morane Saulnier MS.406C-1, 5 Escadrille, GC III/6, Armee de l'Air
2. EKW D-3801, J-154 Swiss Air Force, Autumn 1943
Summary.
In my opinion it’s a very good alternative for less demanding modelers, especially since the price is not too high and is about 10$USD (in Poland). The main problem is that KITECH models are not available in regular model shops but from time to time are found in normal toys shops or on ebay / allegro.
Historical background.
------------------------------------
The Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 was the first modern aircraft of its category to go into service in the units of the Armee de I'Air. The project was launched on the basis of specifications issued in 1934, and the prototype (built in great secrecy) made its first flight on August 8, 1935. Designated the M.S.405, it was a low-wing monoplane with retractable landing gear, powered by an 860 hp Hispano-Suiza 12 Ygrs engine. It had an all-metal airframe with a covering of aluminium, plywood, and canvas, and an enclosed cockpit. The armament consisted of a 20 mm cannon installed in the propeller shaft and two machine guns in the wings. At the beginning of 1937, the company received an order for 15 pre-series aircraft, and the second of these (which took to the air on May 20, 1938) became the progenitor of the M.S.406, the differences consisted mainly in the use of a different engine, a different type of propeller, and in structural modifications, especially to the wing.
Fighter Morane-Saulnier MS.406C1 been used by the French Air Force since the beginning of World War II. it is to the capitulation of France pilots flying on these aircraft shot down 191 enemy aircraft and 89 demaged. After the capitulation of France on the French aircraft flew MS.406C1 aviation pilots Free French in Egypt and initially also the first squadron GC Alaska Free French in Great Britain.
The M.S.406 had a parallel career in Finland. They were used in combat during the Winter War, against the USSR and carried out 259 operational sorties and shot down 16 Soviet aircraft. In modified form, the M.S.406 were later involved in the Continuation War. Between November 1939 and 4 September 1944, Lv28 scored 118 aerial victories flying the Morane M.S.406 (the unit flew Bf 109Gs for a time, as well). The unit lost 15 aircraft. Total Finnish kills amounted to 121. The top Morane ace in all theatres was W/O Urho Lehtovaara, with 15 of his 44.5 total kills achieved in Moranes.
These aircraft were also used by the Vichy government aviation, Turkey, Bulgaria, Switzerland and Italy. Also, Croatia's fascist government aviation and Luftwaffe training units. The longest aircraft used in Switzerland, where it was withdrawn only in 1959.
Specifications (Morane Saulnier MS.406)
Type: Single Seat Fighter
Design: Morane Saulnier
Manufacturer: Morane Saulnier, SNCASO, Dornier-Werke Switzerland
Powerplant: One 860 hp (642 kw) Hispano-Suiza 12Y 31 12-cylinder inverted Vee, liquid cooled, piston engine.
Performance: Maximum speed 302 mph (486 km/h) at 16,400 ft (5000 m); service ceiling 30,840 ft (9400 m).
Range: 497 miles (800 km) with internal fuel stores.
Weight: Empty 4,178 lbs (1895 kg) with a maximum take-off weight of 5,600 lbs (2540 kg).
Dimensions: Span 34 ft 10 in (10.65 m); length 2 ft 9 in (8.15 m); height 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m); wing area 172.16 sq ft (16.0 sq m).
Armament: One 20 mm Hispano Suiza HS-404 (or HS-59) gun (60 rounds) and two 7.5 mm (0.295 in) MAC-1934 guns (300 rounds each).
Operators: France, Croatia, Turkey, Finland, Switzerland, Vichy France, Germany.
Model.
The model consists of a dozen parts cast from gray plastic. Molded parts are clean, with no mold shifts or flash. Panel lines are delicate and engraved. The texture and quality of the material make a decent impression - treatment should be easy and painless. The quality and the details of elements is satisfying, although it is not overly done - thanks to this a model will be a good choice for a beginner and advanced modelers (this last one will receive a good base for enhancements and modifications). I have strange feeling that KITECH are using old Hobbycraft molds (like for Dornier Do-17Z in this same scale). If so, maybe they will bring to the market a few others practically unattainable models of this manufacturer (of which I would be very happy).
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0886.JPG
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0888.JPG
Glass elements are clear and transparent. A separate canopy allows one to model the aircraft with it in the open position and show off the cockpit. My test fitting of the main parts suggest that putty, files and sanding will be minimal and limited to cosmetic improvements and filling small gaps.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0892.JPG
Decals and assembly instructions.
Decals are the weakest element of each model produced by KITECH - the technology used for printing and their quality resembles the decals from first short run kits made during the eighties. Decals are printed quite thick and lack detail. Additional concern is the texture of the decals base - it raises concerns about the fragility (possible fracture) and a weak response to softening lotions.
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0891.JPG
The instructions are printed on both sides of a big sheet. The first page includes a brief description of the aircraft (the history and technical data) and the paint scheme. On second is printed an assembly chart shown in 10 steps. They are clearly and logically illustrated - building the model should not be a problem
/gallery/albums/userpics/10065/DSCF0889.JPG
With the KITECH decals we can finish the model in two schemes:
1. Morane Saulnier MS.406C-1, 5 Escadrille, GC III/6, Armee de l'Air
2. EKW D-3801, J-154 Swiss Air Force, Autumn 1943
Summary.
In my opinion it’s a very good alternative for less demanding modelers, especially since the price is not too high and is about 10$USD (in Poland). The main problem is that KITECH models are not available in regular model shops but from time to time are found in normal toys shops or on ebay / allegro.