forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => What's New => Topic started by: coyotemagic on March 01, 2014, 04:40:25 AM
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I guess it's been over 2 years now since Eric Hight decided to sell Copper State Models and many of us have been hoping that CSM would come back strong. A few of us have even entertained the idea of buying the company just to keep it going. While we were struggling to come up with the money Eric required, Ilya Sobolev and Slava Krylov put together a team of talented modelers dedicated to keeping the Copper State tradition alive and took the plunge. CSM is now back and, with the release of their first kit under the new management, it looks like they may be a serious contender in the 1/48 scale WWI market.
Just prior to Eric's announcement that he would be putting the company up for sale, he told me that Marty Digmayer had made a master for a new kit: the Salmson S.M.1. I had never heard of this ship before, so I did a little reasearch and, man, was I blown away. It was the freakiest thing I had ever seen, with one engine driving two props, the fuselage suspended between the top and bottom wings and a 3 man crew. I absolutely had to have one. As time went by, my anticipation grew until finally the CSM website reappeared with the long promised S.M.1 now available. I immediately ordered one and it is worth the wait and every penny.
It comes in the heavy duty, top opening box for which CSM is known.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02012_zps652406b8.jpg)
And here's what comes in that box:
Lots of flawlessly cast high quality resin.
Wings.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02015_zps1850f1e8.jpg)
Fuselage and tail.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02018_zps8afaf928.jpg)
more
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02019_zps199f2ecd.jpg)
Bag full of struts. Lots and lots of struts.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02020_zpsc8b51b34.jpg)
The usual Copper State pe.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02016_zpsb00a3514.jpg)
Instruments.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02017_zpsc759fda9.jpg)
And yet another box within the box (like a Matryoshka Doll!) containing the guns and engine.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02013_zps97333bed.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02024_zps75a5bede.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02022_zps78b1e740.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02023_zps24904c3c.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02025_zpsba105b13.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02027_zpse03ba976.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02028_zps364c1a30.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02031_zps09a17512.jpg)
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Markings for 3 aircraft.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02033_zps043dbdaa.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02034_zpse5fcceb1.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02035_zps057b8bf0.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02036_zps382f4c5a.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02014_zps522bdbcc.jpg)
And if the wing arrangement and struts seem a bit daunting, fear not. An awesome jig template and instructions are provided.
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02030_zps4e09ff67.jpg)
(http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af342/coyotemagic_photos/Salmson%20SM1/DSC02032_zps78c4765a.jpg)
The usual thorough CSM instructions are also in the box along with a signed certification.
In conclusion, this is one of the very finest resin kits I've ever seen and I can't wait to get started. Just as soon as I finish the WNW Tripe.
Here's where you can order one:
http://www.copperstatemodels.com/
Cheers,
Bud
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Freaky hardly covers it Bud. You should really have your hands full with this one! My copy of Janes Fighting Aircraft of WWI has a small photo and smaller write up stating that the famous Breguet Flyer turned "Constructor", M. Louis Moineau, "produced the curious biplane in 1916-17". It flew but was never put into production.
I hope you open a Build Thread on this beast, it would be an interesting feature. On a great note it's nice to see Copper State back in the Market. Back in my 1:48 past their stuff was, for me, a great resource long before the advent of the huge A/M choices we have today.
Cheers,
Lance
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I don't think this will be a quick build, Lance. Might even take me as long as Bo's Albatros. ;) Still, looks to be a fun, if challenging, project.
Jane's got it wrong. Over 155 of these beasts were produced with the majority being dispersed among army cooperation squadrons for long range reconnaissance. Only one or two squadrons were fully equipped with the S.M.1. It soon proved inferior to the Strutter and most were withdrawn.
Cheers,
Bud
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Wow Bud, this just look south-watering! I can't wait to see what you make of something that looks like it could fit into the Wacky Races.
Best wishes
Nigel
PS Bravo for Copper State.
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I hope you open a Build Thread on this beast, it would be an interesting feature.
Ditto!
Might even take me as long as Bo's Albatros. ;)
Wait, what? >:( ;) :)
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I'm really looking forward to your build log, Bud. I have never built an all-resin model
and it will be very interesting to see how it's done.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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I want one too.
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glad to see they finally got their ducks in a row, perhaps this is a sign of things to come. i remember a bunch of buzz about how they were going to re-release a bunch of kits then all fell silent. this one is definately interesting and different so i gotta get one. besides we gotta show them there will be a return for their effort or else they will never put anything else out for us.
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Hello Bud,
I can't hardly wait you seeing start on this one. With your skillful hands (and mind) you will make a stunning build of it my friend, I'm sure.
Kind regards
Patrick
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Might even take me as long as Bo's Albatros. ;)
Wait, what? >:( ;) :)
Oh, c'mon, Bo! You gotta know by now that your phenomenal Albatros thread has become the new standard by which time is measured. What are we approaching? Two years? ;) Seriously, I wish I had your patience. I'm working on it.
Cheers,
Bud
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glad to see they finally got their ducks in a row, perhaps this is a sign of things to come. i remember a bunch of buzz about how they were going to re-release a bunch of kits then all fell silent. this one is definately interesting and different so i gotta get one. besides we gotta show them there will be a return for their effort or else they will never put anything else out for us.
I want one too.
You hit the nail on the head, Scott. That's one of the reasons I wanted to let everyone know about it's release. They have a Big Ack in the works, and I really want one of those. These babies ain't cheap, but well worth the money and if they reach their sales goal, we will see more. In addition to the F.K.8, they're reworking many of the old masters and will have those out as soon as they're ready. So guys, let's jump on the band wagon.
Cheers,
Bud
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Thanks Bud for showing us this really nice model, it is an unusual aircraft to say the least. Funny thing though is I was collecting information on this particular plane to do a scratch build in 1:32 scale, I can shelve that idea now that this brilliant model is released. I will be looking forward to seeing you start building this one Bud, with your excellent talents it will turn out to be a real gem. I checked the CSM website and noticed that they have a list of corrections for the kit, it appears that they are still fine tuning this kit.
Des.
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the a-w fk-8 is another of those "so ugly" its cool. i love the boxy nose. that would be great.
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Freaky hardly covers it Bud. You should really have your hands full with this one! My copy of Janes Fighting Aircraft of WWI has a small photo and smaller write up stating that the famous Breguet Flyer turned "Constructor", M. Louis Moineau, "produced the curious biplane in 1916-17". It flew but was never put into production.
I hope you open a Build Thread on this beast, it would be an interesting feature. On a great note it's nice to see Copper State back in the Market. Back in my 1:48 past their stuff was, for me, a great resource long before the advent of the huge A/M choices we have today.
Cheers,
Lance
Hello,
The total number of S.M.1's manufactured was 153/155 (various sources state these two numbers). Two of them were sent to Russia for testing, out of which one was destroyed in one of the test flights and another one served until 1919, last time seen fighting on Reds' side, bombing city of Kazan'.
Thank you for your kind words though! :). We (CSM) hope to bring you more WWI aeroplane plastic model kits in 1:48. However if this scale is a bit too small for you we are considering to launch some model kits in bigger scales too. :) Basically, we are here to please :).
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glad to see they finally got their ducks in a row, perhaps this is a sign of things to come. i remember a bunch of buzz about how they were going to re-release a bunch of kits then all fell silent. this one is definately interesting and different so i gotta get one. besides we gotta show them there will be a return for their effort or else they will never put anything else out for us.
We have sent most of the master kits for the restoration. Two of them are destroyed completely and have to be re-created from scratch. The ROI after the restoration is negative and more like a political and marketing statement that CSM is alive rather than successful commercial operation. Actually for us is cheaper and more profitable to create new kits which we do at the moment, having 6-7 WWI topics "on the drawing board" in various scales and at various stages of completion on top of new bunch of WWI accessories which have to replace with most of the old assortment. There are quite few directions we are working at, unfortunately all of them are terra incognito for us + very expensive and very time consuming, so please bear with us considering the fact we are not professional scale model manufacturers. All I can promise- you will not be disappointed.
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Thanks Bud for showing us this really nice model, it is an unusual aircraft to say the least. Funny thing though is I was collecting information on this particular plane to do a scratch build in 1:32 scale, I can shelve that idea now that this brilliant model is released. I will be looking forward to seeing you start building this one Bud, with your excellent talents it will turn out to be a real gem. I checked the CSM website and noticed that they have a list of corrections for the kit, it appears that they are still fine tuning this kit.
Des.
The major issue we came across while dealing with the detailing of the S.M.1 is lack of information. The engine, the turrets and the cockpit layout are inconclusive. If anybody can help with exact information on these three points then we will revise the kit, putting more details in there based on indisputable information.
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Hello Bud:
It looks like you have your work cut out for you with this kit. It will be neat to see how you do it and follow along as you do.
Best
Mark
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Bud,
Looking forward to this build !!, I know you'll knock it out of the park!!!!
Ed
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Mine just came in last week, and I also highly recommend it! The price is not bad for the amount of resin and photoetch that you get, and thankfully they have eliminated the old white metal parts of the previous Copper State kits with nice resin for all of the details. Although like Nesterov said there is no information that we can find on the interior, so some gizmology and scratchbuilding may be required.
As for future releases from copper State, how about a 1/48 scale Caudron R.11? Just got the latest Datafile of it and that would be an awesome aircraft that was used during the war and post war by France and the USAS as well.
Dave
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Really glad to see such a positive response to this kit, especially from you, Des. Never thought I'd see the day when you'd consider something smaller than 1/32 scale. ;) This is a large aircraft, though, so it compares well in size to what you've built.
Thank you for chiming in on this, Ilya. I'm really looking forward to seeing what's next. I still check your website every day for new stuff.
Dave, I knew you would like this one. Like me, you have a taste for the esoteric. As for the the internal details, fortunately we have the Gaspatch 2A2 and the WNW website from which we can get some ideas on the basic layout and design. I'm looking forward to seeing your build log on this one.
Mark and Ed, I'd start this kit now if my work space wasn't completely covered with 1/48 and 1/32 scale Tripe bits. Soon, I hope.
Cheers,
Bud
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how about a 1/48 scale Caudron R.11?
All I can say at this stage - "so many topics, so little time"... we do not have any plans for this particular prototype yet.. As of releases in 1/48, 1/32 and in 1/28 - we have our hands full for the remaining of 2014 preparing kits and accessories in the mentioned scales and next kit (actually two modifications of the same plane, injection molding rather than resin) in 1/48 should be released in September-October this year.
Apart from production challenges we are sorting out P&P rates because until this March we had to use quite dear ones and had few negative comments about that which are understandable. Now we have managed to go down on these prices, so one issue less.
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Good luck! :o
VB
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Bud
I've always been drawn to the odd Great War a/c and the Salmson-Moineau S.M.1 has to be on top the list. Copper State only have four left in stock so I jumped on one this evening.
Charlie
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Good for you, Charlie! This is right up your alley. You won't be disappointed.
Cheers,
Bud