Thanks for posting this review. I am attaching the list of things missed found in the review. To these I will add a few. Just to be fair and honest I don't have the kit and am assuming that the sprues shown are the "Final" production version.
The list from the review:
1. The actual plane had a celluloid window in the upper wing right over the wing spar. This was intended to check it. Merit just added an engraved rectangle and it is too close to the wing leading edge.
2. The cowling was clearly made from two main separate parts. So, there was a step in the front face and a visible line of rivets on the main part edge (to fix the front part). The step looks faint and the rivets are missing.
3. The plane had two metal plates intended to protect the surface of the upper fuselage from machine gun blast. There are not there.
4. In the same part, there should be one oil and fuel tank plug on each side. It seems both of them are missing.
5. The plane had not the 6 fixtures seen under the landing gear wing. It had just two square maintenance panels to get access to the bungee chords used to fix the landing gear.
6. There was no plain (wood) bulkhead behind the pilot. The hole was closed by a canvas rectangle fixed with wire to the metal tube structure.
My additions:
1. The plywood fairings on the wing undersides need to go.
2. The DVII type instrument panel
3. The seat is suspect
4. It appears the stitching on the fuselage underside is molded on both halves, could be difficult to sand and fill if needed
5. The fuselage shape at the plywood side fairings seem suspect.
6. The Pump seems undersized but this is not an issue as it shouldn't be there anyway. The DR1 had a tube/pipe with a valve on the end running down the right side.
7. The control stick and handles look odd. At least to me?
8. The cockpit floor is molded as 1 solid piece
9. The wheels/wheel covers look Odd.
I have decided to add a couple of things that look good:
1. I think the engine is probably better than it looks, once assembled and painted.
2. There is a Map case included that looks pretty good
3. They give the basics for the ammo bins
4. The side framing looks usable
5. The PE MG parts look good.
Now, all of this being said I will buy at least one! Most of the stuff can be fixed easily with a little modeling skill applied. I am glad someone has molded this kit in 1/24th scale. I hope it is successful and we see more beyond the 3 announced.
RAGIII
PS: The reviewer mentions that this kit reminds him of the Revelle 1/28th kit. I agree after looking at some of the parts, in particular the wings, prop, and struts.
PPS: It looks as though my statement about the engine detail is correct if one wants a Clerget
