Revell 1/72 De Havilland DH.2

REVELL 1:72 DE HAVILLAND DH.2
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Richard Stracey (rec.models.scale)

Kit Details: Revell # 04309 1/72 DE HAVILLAND DH 2

Aircraft History: The DH 2 was the second design by Geoffrey De Havilland for Airco. The initial flight took place on the 1^st. June 1915. It was the first purpose designed British fighter and although the interrupter gear for a machine gun to fire through the propeller arc was known for some reason was not used thus resulting in the “pusher” design. This could have fatal results as if attacked from the rear the engine could be damaged and if a cylinder flew off it would cause catastrophic damage to the aircraft. The Vickers FB5 was of a similar concept and the DH 2 was replaced by the DH 5 of more conventional “tractor” design. The 453 DH 2s produced were powered by either a 100hp Gnome or 110hp Le Rhone rotary engine and were armed with only one .303 Lewis gun. The length was 25’ 2.5” (7.68m) and the wingspan 28’ 3” (8.61m). The DH 2 served with 10 squadrons, 5, 11, 17, 18, 24, 29, 32, 41, 47 and 111.

The Kit: Although this 2007 kit has “1981” stamped on it, it actually was first available from Revell GB back in the 1960s along with eight other WW1 aircraft all of which Revell have finally re released. The kit consists of 38 parts with minimal flash and includes a pilot, half a stand and decals for two aircraft.

The parts are contained in a sealed plastic bag and the end opening box is also sealed. The seven step instructions are adequate as well as a sprue map and rigging diagram and a warning page in twenty one languages!

On the Sprue Impressions: Due to the fact that this is a two bay bi plane and the unusual rear fuselage (or lack of it) I consider this a kit for the more experienced modeler. There is no cockpit detail what so ever so if the pilot is not used something need to be done in this area (Aeroclub VO54 WW1 seat and joystick?). The Lewis gun (12) really needs replacing with an Aeroclub G002 as does the engine (5) with an Aeroclub EO19 or EO15. There are a few ejector pin marks that require tidying up but considering the age of the kit, not bad. The wheels need a bit of attention or replacing and the tyres should be light grey rather than black. Rigging should be attempted although with hemming nylon or monofilament fishing line rather than black thread as suggested by Revell. Photographs of a real aircraft would be useful in this area as the rigging diagram is of little use.

Decals: The two decal options are for a 29 Sqn. RFC machine in France in March 1916 and 24 Sqn. RFC aircraft also in France in July 1916. The decals look to be first class. Both aircraft are basically the same PC10 over clear doped linen with grey fuselage tubs. I am curious as to why Revell indicate that the underside of the fuselage is painted white. It just seems a bit strange and so far I can’t spot this on photographs. Perhaps a reader can confirm and/or explain this? As usual only Revell colours are quoted which would result in lots of mixing!

Conclusion: In conclusion, considering its age it appears to be a nice little kit and with the help of Aeroclub or your spares box should result in a presentable little model. Pegasus made/make a DH 2 in this scale and Merit/SMER one in 1/48. I could find little of use on the internet but I am sure that Squadron Signal #171 “DH 2 in action” would be as would Profile Publications # 91. A rather ‘international” kit, originally made in England and now in Poland with the box and instructions printed in Germany and the decals in Italy! I think that the DH 2 sported two and four bladed propellers so a picture of the aircraft to be modeled would be useful.

RHS/08

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