Apparently I am the first one to get this new kit from Lukgraph. So let me present my first impressions from the opening of Polish version boxing.
The kit is solidly packed in a cardboard box with a great cover adorned by the striking commission work by one of Polish most renown military-subject artists - Jarosław Wróbel, especially famous for his recent works on Polish Naval Aviation. All secured in a huge string bag.
Inside the elements are grouped in smaller string bags
The PE fret, decals and dry decal with instrument panels (including one spare just in case you err in cutting it off with scissors)
Instruction booklet of usual Lukgraph style, seemingly the same for both German and Polish boxings, the latter with an extra sheet depicting the colour scheme. This one is up to date with the most recent agreement on the colours of the only Polish FF33L - White "9". Well, with one exception, the upper wing tips had the original German crosses overpainted with a colour darker than the overall used middle grey - possibly the dark grey or black which was also used to paint the floats and the struts.
, the majority of the cockpit elements, the propeller and the spinner, etc.[img]https://i.ibb.co/y4v25QN/20210513-145623.jpg)
The engine is a jewel. My only complaint is that it is complete and thus the painting will require some serious thinking. I suppose I will try to delicately cut out some elements, the valve push rods definitely. Generally removal of the 3D bits requires special care because the material is relatively hard and brittle - the kit instruction itself suggests using the razor saw. Me, I used also the pure razor, thinner than the saw, and with some care successfully detached all the bits from the printing trees.
This last photo shows that at some spots, as the top front of the engine block, there are some traces of 3D printing. Again, the kit instruction itself advices to use a primer and to sand these traces if necessary. IMHO some places will definitely require such treatment.
The fuselage in two halves is taped together as per usual Lukgraph practice. It has some great surface details, including the traces of internal structure pressing from below the linen.
The last photo just shows a few air bubbles at the fuse bottom surface, for a moment hidden under it but with some sanding which will surely be necessary after fuselage assembly, they may unearth. Still, my verdict is that the quality of resin is much much higher in Lukgraph kits now then is was some time ago.
Some bubbles are also present in struts. On the positive - each of the struts is armed with wire and this time they all have the casting trees with clear strut designation - a very useful and welcome touch by the producer as it sigificantly facilitates sorting these.
The wire popping at the strut ends can be cut to just enter the mounting holes. The latter are clearly marked at the fuselage, wings and floats but they will surely require some careful drilling at correct angles - possibly the most difficult aspect of the assembly.
The floats are solid resin blocks. They will add to the total mass of the model but they should also enhace its stability by lowering the mass centre. Also, this approach goes clearly towards simplicity of assembly.
The wings are probably the weakest part in the entire overly high quality model. In my opinion the rib structure is overdone but it is of course very personal opinion, others may have different views. Also in my copy the upper wings are delicately sagged. Theoretically with resin repair of this should not be a problem with some heat applied. But here the wings are reinforced with the wire and it just may be a little bit more difficult, possibly one attempt may not be enough. The lower wings are as flat as they should be.
And finally the beaching gear with nicely done wood plank surface of the carts.
All together a very much welcome release from Lukgraph. I have already mentioned elsewhere, that today I felt as if Santa Claus came to my door with a gift well off Christmas. My joy to get this gift can only be compared with that thrill I felt 6 years ago when the postman brought to me that enormous box with WNW Felixstowe. Me, I have been waiting for a 32nd scale model of any of floatplanes used in Polish Naval Base in Puck in early 1920s. Today my long dreamt dream is fulfilled - thank you Łukasz Sznajder - you are the real Santa for me!
Needless to say - the kit goes right now to my bench.
And yes, if you ask me, I do strongly recommend it to everyone. Do not be afraid of resin!
