Need Questions Answered About 1/32 Hobbycraft SPAD XIII/Frank Luke Build

[Phillip1]

Fellow Modelers,

I recently purchased Hobbycraft's 1/32 SPAD XIII and Aviattic's Legends Series Set for Frank Luke (decals, history pamphlet and resin figure).  The Aviattic set is very impressive and the kit looks good too, although not on the same level as a WNW's kit.  I have a couple of SPAD questions for the many helpful experts on this forum:
>Is the kit's upper outer wing tips correct as they come (squared instead of rounded)?  Was Luke's "26" SPAD a late version?
>Is the kit's propeller correct for the "26" aircraft (Grandville type)?
>The kit's upper wing angles up a little at the tips (i.e. not flat).  Even the kit instructions mention this warpage.  All the photos and drawings I have seen show the wing as flat across the entire length.  If so, is the best "fix" to put the wing in boiling water for a few seconds then lay it on a flat surface with a few hardback books on it?

Below is a photo of a SPAD XIII with Luke's marking's hanging in an airport in Arizona.  It is a really beautiful replica and I plan to use this as my painting guide when I build mine.  Thanks again for any help, as this forum is always one of my favorite sites to visit.

Phillip1

[RAGIII]

I can answer at least a couple of questions. The wing tips are correct. It was indeed a late model SPAD. As for the "warping" a little gentle pressure should straighten it out. One thing to remember is that the outer struts need to be trimmed to fit. As you said Hobbycraft mentions this in their instructions, something many builders seem to miss.
RAGIII

[Phillip1]

RAGIII,

Thanks for the response.

Phillip1

[ALBATROS1234]

the control panel is the main area(imho) that is lacking. i scratched one and it turned out quite nice. there are nice pics of spad xiii here.
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/spad-s.html (there are some good pics lower on this page)

http://s241.photobucket.com/user/Baldeagle27/library/SPAD%20at%20NASM?sort=4&page=1

http://www.wwi-models.org/Photos/Fre/SPAD13/

http://s241.photobucket.com/user/Baldeagle27/library/VAFM%20SPAD?sort=4&page=1

[IanB]

BTW, that aircraft in Sky Harbor is not a replica!
http://aerodynamicmedia.com/original-spad-removed-from-airport-terminal-as-renovations-commence/

Ian

[Phillip1]

bstachel-Thanks for the response.  I had read that as well.

ALBATROS1234-Thanks for sending the links.  You are right, there are some great SPAD photos.  I agree the kit interior is sparse and some of the photos you reference should help with scratch-building.

IanB-Thanks for forwarding the article. That SPAD XIII is a beautiful piece of work.

Does anyone know if the kit propeller is correct for any of the SPAD XIII's Luke flew?

Thanks

Phillip1