Airfix Conversion 1/72 Avro 504N

AIRFIX 1:72 AVRO 504N
Conversion

Reviewer: Richard Stracey (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted: March 2001

The 504 K was a trainer/light bomber in WW1 and into the ‘20’s.The design actually dated from 1913 and approx. 8,000 were made, the best remembered being the ones used for “crazy flying” at the Hendon airshows of the 1920’s. After the war the 504 K remained the primary trainer for the new RAF powered by the old rotary engines (Gnomes, Bentleys, and Le Rhones were all used) . The obvious way to modernise when short of cash (as the RAF often was) was to keep the first rate airframe and bolt on a modern 150 HP Armstrong Sideley 7 cyl. Lynx engine. This became the 504 N. While they were about it they modified the alierons, cut out the top centre section of the top wing, removed the fuel tank from on top of the top wing and added two 18 gal. Tanks below the top wing and added a new undercarriage, similar to the Siskin .The 504 N soldiered on till it was replaced by the Tutor and Tiger Moth in 1932. The N was widely used by training units at home and overseas and many squadrons had a couple as trainers and/or hacks. The N actually flew with the RAF in WW 11 when civilian aircraft were impressed and used to tow gliders in Radar trials. Not bad for a 1913 design!

Alternative boxart from an older release, supplied by Jerry Lawrence

Two kits of the 504 K have been produced, one in 1/48 by Merit/Smer and one in 1/72 by Airfix , dating from 1973 it is , fortunately, a very good kit (AModel have now released an Avro 504K too, although not sure if it is an original mold or reboxing - Ed). No one has produced a 504 N but the conversion from a K is quite easy. The parts NOT required are 9, 10, 12, 33, 34, 35 and 37. The axle (28) can be used along with the lower parts (with the axle holes) of the undercarriage legs (29 & 30). The holes for the tank (37) can be filled along with the outer ends of the ailerons. The centre section of the top wing must be carved and sanded to match the plans and the outer leading edge of the ailerons re-scribed. Two fuel tanks can be copied from the plans and the filler caps added to the top of the wing using bits of Contrail rod or scrap.

The ribbing is simply four lengths of hemming nylon stretched over each tank and the surface lightly flooded with Superglue. At the centre of the lowest point of each tank a hole is drilled and a small piece of insulation from an electrical wire is glued in to represent the stop cock fitting. Later, a copper electrical wire is shaped as per plans to run from the tanks to the forward carbine struts, and so down to the fuselage representing the fuel lines.

"Bottom of the boxart" denoting the versions the Airfix kit can depict, supplied by Jerry Lawrence

The cockpit area can be detailed as required and the fuselage halves glued together. As the two halves don’t match too well the top surfaces are lined up and later the lower half built up with 'five thou.' sheet . After the lower wing is fitted in place the entire fuselage undersurface is sheeted with 'five thou.' plastic to smooth everything up and build up the fuselage depth as the kit is a bit shallow. The entire nose, using the panel lines from the forward carbine struts down to the undercarriage locating holes, can be cut off and a new nose made. I laminated thick plastic sheet till I achieved the correct thickness (lengthwise) then carved and sanded it to shape starting with a square profile and ending up with a circular profile at the engine bulkhead.

The new undercarriage can be made up using Contrail aerofoil and rod sections, wire and the remaining kit parts. The tailskid is fine but it can do with a bit of extra detail using fine wire. The new nose is painted black and the airframe and wings a mixture of Tamiya XF 16 Aluminium with approx. 20% XF 2 White added. The kit can be completed and an Aeroclub E 005 Lynx fitted.

The propeller that comes with the engine seems to be too small in diameter so the kit propeller can be modified. Regardless of which model is being made Airfix has not supplied the wing tip skids. This can be easily remedied by drilling through the outer strut holes in the lower wing and adding the skids using wire or “springy” nylon. The model can now be “decorated” as desired.

Photo Credit: Richard Stracey
Dick's image of the completed Avro 504N model in all its glory!

Aeroplane Monthly, over the years has published many pictures of 504K’s & N’s.The main feature on the K can be found in May ’78 and the 504 N in July ’78 issue. Even so I would like some better cockpit detail and close up of the underside,just behind the engine where there are various “lumps and bumps” and plumbing which is possibly the carburettor. I had to take a bit of artistic licence in this area.

Give it a go, it’s an easy conversion and if you are a 1/48 fan , Aeroclub do a 1/48 Lynx engine (E403).

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