Edgar from CSM has sent me this kit and asked me to do a build log to help promote the kit.
Please click any picture for a larger image.
A little history on this unusual aeroplane.
The unusual configuration was a result of Moineau's concern with minimizing the drag of the bulky 240hp Salmson 9A2c engine by placing it sideways in the square-section fuselage, to drive the two propellers via streamlined gearbox units mounted on "X" struts between the wings. The propellers were geared to rotate in opposite directions in order to minimize the effects of torque. Although at least 155 examples were built, the S.M.1 was not a success. Despite being designed as a three-seater it was officially recommended that it be flown with only two crew members as with three the performance was very poor. Inferior in every respect to the contemporary Sopwith one and a half strutter (which equipped the majority of French reconnaissance units at the time of the S.M.1's introduction), difficult to handle on the ground and in the air and prone to landing accidents, the machine was disliked by its unfortunate crews and those tasked with servicing and repairing its complex transmission system and complicated rigging. Indeed, it was suspected that many of the ground handling accidents may not have been entirely accidental!
The kit.
The kit arrived in a very sturdy box and was well packed for transport, no damage was caused to the kit during transit.
The kit contents are all sealed within zip-lock plastic bags, the PE and decals are also housed withing plastic bags. There is a separate box with contains parts to make the Salmson engine and the Lewis guns
There are a large number of dark coloured resin parts some of which will require some cleaning due to a small amount of flash.
There is a comprehensive sheet of PE which appear to be well made.
There is one sheet of decals printed by Fantasy Printshop.
There is a beautiful little PE set for the instruments plus instrument dials printed on clear acetate.
Another bonus are plans to make a jig for assembling this model.
I will be starting this build soon but I will be out of my comfort zone, I am not a 1:48 scale builder and I am not proficient at building resin kits but I promise to do my utmost to promote this kit and to produce a respectable looking model. As usual with all my builds I have been searching the net for necessary information and printing out appropriate photos.
Des.