Despite their importance, even iconic trainers like the Boeing/Stearman PT-17 are often ignored by model companies, especially in the larger scales. Roden has addressed that gap with the fist injection-molded PT-17 Kaydet in 1/32 scale.
Featuring nicely molded surface details, Roden’s Stearman has a choice of two Army schemes — one in the distinctive blue and chrome yellow, and one overall silver. Decals are also included for both instrument panels. Only one engine and prop combination are included in the kit, with a nice representation of the 220 horsepower Continental R-670 swinging a wide wooden propeller.
Interestingly, construction starts with the wings and engine; that may be to put off cleaning up the injection-molded tubular framework. After the tedious cleanup was completed, I was rewarded with excellent fit thanks to the solid forward bulkhead that aligns everything. There are sufficient details in the cockpit to seem busy, but no seat belts are provided although the inertial locks are mounted on the rear of the seats. The control sticks were almost as thin as flash and nearly as flat, so I replaced them with wire, cutting and remounting the stick tops. I left off the cockpit lights (Part 10K) as they are oversized.
The interior fit into the fuselage with no issues after I opened the notches in the framework support behind the rear cockpit. Easy to miss are two posts that mount inside at the tail — Roden misnumbered the left part as 2D while it should read 23N. The inside half of the landing gear legs are molded to a lower fuselage section which fits well. Remember to paint the inside of the lower fuselage segment, as it is viewable from the cockpit opening.
The forward cowling panels also fit well. I left the firewall and upper air scoop off until the end of the build.
The engine is well detailed and requires careful fitting. I trimmed the mounting pegs off the cylinder heads to improve fit. I also opened all the vent and exhaust ports with drill bits.
The wings and tail are simple, just like the real thing and hinges allow the control surfaces to be posed. I left the rudder separate for paint and decals. The outer wing struts are thin so be careful removing them from the sprue. The inner cabane struts are molded together with what appears to be thick cross bracing struts. This is incorrect, as they have bracing wires like the rest of the aircraft. However, the added “struts” allow the parts to be easily placed at the correct angle. I removed them and trimmed the nubs flush after the upper wing was installed.
I opened up all strut mounting points and checked the fit before I painted the kit. The lower wings fit well but be careful with the dihedral angle — one of my wings is slightly low which caused the connection of the main strut to hang in the air a bit.
To paint, I used Testors Model Master chrome yellow and FS35109 blue over white primer. Before the colors, I masked circles where the national insignia would be positioned to minimize color bleed.
The red centers of the stars are printed in a dark red, unlike the rudder stripes. Fear not — they are nearly translucent and recover the correct color when placed over the white background. I used heat to settle the decals over the surface.
I rigged the model using translucent, stretchy “knitting in” sewing thread that gives the appearance of shiny metal and is applied in the same way as EZ-Line. Be aware that you will need further rigging reference because Roden omitted the rigging of the tail and the center section. Also not mentioned are the wire stretchers that sit at the junction of the wing rigging — they are Part N3.
The engine and the wood-painted prop were added after all rigging was finished. The last part I added was the tailwheel — the fork is extremely fragile, so be gentle.
I’m thrilled to finally have a 1/32 scale Stearman — my Dad’s most requested model — and I was happy with the kit. There are some areas that need care, and the missing rigging directions might catch some unawares, but with a bit of effort, my 30 hours resulted in a model that looks every inch a Stearman.
Note: A version of this review appeared in the November 2020 issue.