Phönix C.I in the works

[VintageAce]

Today I ordered a kit in 1/48, I'm curious what to expect. The kit was priced at 56€ + 6€ shipping. I hope we see more rare models like this in the future. It would be nice, for example a Junkers J.I or Pushers like AGO and Breguet Michelin.

Carlo

[Gene K]

https://www.facebook.com/people/KatModel/100089034879479/

Would be smart if the Kat Facebook page were open to Non-Facebookers like myself (or is the log-in requirement a result of the link posted)?

Very enticing CAD renderings, @Mike Norris - thanks.
 
Gene K

[Borsos]

Yesterday I received a small parcel from Poland. I just couldn’t resist not to give the Phönix a try.
So this is what you get in 1:32 scale:

I was wondering why so many parts were already removed from their printing sprues, obviously unintentionally. Parts were not any more in their plastic zip-bags and most parts had come out of the blister foil. I just found a paper from German custom police Dresden, that they had opened the parcel. Those **** are obviously too stupid to wrap properly what they’d torn open.
So this was no fault of the producer.

A closer look at the parts revealed a mixed bag:

I taped the three main parts of the fuselage. They seem to be acceptable, although not entirely cured. Both fuselage halves are still a little sticky. They definitely need some UV light.

A weird decision was how they printed the windshield.


 I am not a specialist for the Phönix C. I, but the bars that seem to be there to hold the engine, don’t seem to be too close to the original.

I like those engine covers.

And I also like the engine. There are some parts that need to be replaced, but in total it’s not too far away from a 230 HP Hiero…



The undercarriage is printed as one part. It fits quite nice…

… but is way out of scale.

I haven’t got the Windsock Datafile on the Phönix C. I yet, so I can’t say anything about this interior part, besides that it doesn’t fit the fuselage without sanding.


Some smaller Parts…


Many turnbuckles are already broken — due to Dresden’s hands I think.

What I really like on this kit is that they’re absolutely no visible printing layers at all.

What I do not like at all:

These are the trailing edges of otherwise quite nice wings:

That could be printed fine in 1:72 scale and acceptable for 1:48 scale. But if the wings are simply upscaled to 1:32 scale (this is my explanation for their thickness) , the trailing edges on the wings should definitely have been thinned. I hope the resin is sandable, because these trailing edges definitely need to be sanded down.

One lower wing at last, with the interplane struts. They are more to scale than the u/c, but they’re bent.

I still don’t know what to think about that kit. It is buildable I think, after exposing those parts to sunlight, that are still not entirely cured. And, like said before, I like that there are no printing layers at all. But all in all most of the kit parts look a little clumsy which could be because it was simply upscalled from a smaller scale. What really annoys me are those trailing edges on the wings. They are not only a little on the thick side, they are just — fat.
I am interested what you think about this kit.
Best regards,
Andreas

[RichieW]

Only 32 parts? Could this be a throwback to the build it before bedtime days?
My main enjoyment in modelling is the construction so probably not one for me but for those who get most enjoyment from painting and finishing i think this would make a great addition to their collection.

Richie

[pepperman42]

That's a tough one. Interesting subject but there's a LOT of correction work. If people hammer on Roden then this one might take heat. WNW and Copper State have spoiled us. Hopefully they can refine this. As it's 3D printed (to order) adjustments are possible.

Steve

[jeroen_R90S]

Honestly... when I see what people do with 3D printers I had maybe expected more... this will take a lot, lot of work and either your own 3D printer and CAD skills, or some serious scratchbuilding and a well stocked sparesbox I'm afraid.
Sorry to be rather negative, I really like the Phönix, maybe my expectations were too high as well...

Thanks for taking the plunge and showing what you got!

Jeroen

[Berman]

 From the photos it appears the wing ribs are too pronounced. The fuselage rivets and inspection hatches look oversize.

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Despite the kits obvious short comings, I'd still like to give it a go.
My problem is the apparent lack of reference material for this aircraft.
Anyone know what there is out there?

Mike

[Borsos]

Hi Mike,



Sadly oop. I found a copy at abebooks.
Even some interior photos inside, but mainly the observers compartment, not the pilot’s place. I am willing to do some research on the Swedish copy of the Phönix C. I, there might be more information on the interior.
Andreas

[Mike Norris]

Hi Mike,
Sadly oop. I found a copy at abebooks.
Even some interior photos inside, but mainly the observers compartment, not the pilot’s place. I am willing to do some research on the Swedish copy of the Phönix C. I, there might be more information on the interior.
Andreas

Hi Andreas,
I managed to find a copy of the 150 data file - thanks.
Any more information you can find would be helpful.

I've ordered the kit by email - $119 (£94) to the UK.
I realize it will be a challenge, but I'm up for it.

Anyone who wants to order this kit will need to email 'Kat Model' first:

[email protected]

Mike

[enathan]

A seller from Poland is now offering the 1/72 kit on Ebay for 140PLN (33.50$) including shipping.
https://ebay.to/3ogWOW7
 
I don't know what to think of this one. After reading Andreas' review it's quite obvious the kit was designed for the smaller scale, with 32 parts, and upscaling revealed its shortcomings and problems. I'm all for new kits in 1/72 of course but this one may only be important for large scale modellers, as Choroszy offer four versions of the Phonix C.I in 1/72 made in their usual high standards, better detailed and at nearly half the price.
It would have made more sense to offer a 3D printed kit of a type that was not already covered in 1/72, or make a better job with the larger scales.

[Mike Norris]

Hi Enathan,
Yes I agree is does seem a non-starter given other kits in 1:72nd scale.
However, despite Andreas's reservations of the 1:32nd scale version, I've ordered one anyway.
If nothing else it'll be a challenge instead of an OOB build,

Mike

[Borsos]

Well, if Wingnut Wings won’t release a kit of the Phönix C. I until then, I‘ll also give this thing here a try 
I just don’t know when I’ll start…
Andreas

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
I received my 'KatModel' kit and thought I'd add my initial observations to those already made by Andreas.

Resin parts:
The quality of the moulded resin wings and fuselage halves are generally not the best.
I found some residue on the parts which needs to be washed away.
Also there was some slight warping evident, which should be able to be straightened with immersion if hot water.
The wings do have metal rods molded internally, but these are thin and will not be strong enough to retain the shape of the parts.
The rods are also very close to, if not actually through the surface of the wings.
There are no locating rods or pegs on any parts.
The wings surfaces have surface imperfections, such as small ’blow holes’ and straight lines, which need to be filled and/or sanded smooth.
Metal rod may need to be added to the wings to help locate and support the parts to the fuselage.
The parts have a lot of resin flash at their edges, which needs to be removed.
Much of the surface detail (fasteners, panels etc) seems over-scale and thick, so could be removed and replaced with either scratch made or photo-etch parts.

3D printed parts:
Generally the quality if the 3D printed parts is good with very little, in any, surface print striation lines etc.
The various struts, once removed from their support trees will be very fragile and probably easily broken, so replacing these with metal tubing may be necessary.
The tailplane has some surface undulations which will need to be filled and sanded.

General:
The internal detail of the fuselage and cockpits is minimal with large solid blocks to support the engine.
Therefore, if any reference material can be found, those areas could be enhanced with more detail.
The trailing edges of the wings are over thick, probably due to up-scaling from the smaller model and would require thinning to a more in-scale thickness.
The windshield is printed as a half hoop frame but will need acetate sheet cut and applied to represent the windscreen.
The landing gear assembly is printed as a one piece assembly, but does seem to be over scale.
The engine is printed as a complete assembly and is a fair representation of the Hiero 230hp engine.
No instruction/paint guide or decals are supplied with the kit.

Conclusion:
This model is certainly for the more experienced modeler as surface issues and any warping of resin parts will need to be addressed.
Also additional support rods may need adding and struts replacing with more substantial metal tube.
Extra researched detail, if possible, should be added to better represent the actual aircraft.
Information for this aircraft is scarce and therefore some changes to the model will need to be based on ‘educated guesswork’.

Mike

[KiwiZac]

Thank you for the review Mike, while not a subject I'm keen on it's good to know what buyers are in for.