Trumpeter 1/72 scale Westland Wyvern S.4

Kit: No. 01619
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Trumpeter, from Stevens International, 856-435-1555, www.stevenshobby.com
Price: $27.98
Comments: Injection-molded, 160 parts (1 photo-film), decals
Pros: Great detail, excellent fit, good ordnance selection
Cons: No dihedral in tailplane, errors in instructions, should not have folding wing tips

After years of obscurity, the Westland Wyvern has suddenly emerged as a popular kit subject. Following Classic Airframe's new 1/48 scale kit (see July '05 Workbench Reviews), Trumpeter has issued this odd-looking, prop-jet strike fighter in a highly detailed 1/72 scale kit. Decals have markings for two Wyverns in standard finish and one 830 Squadron bird with black and yellow Suez markings - you have to paint the stripes, though.

Options abound in this kit; you can decide whether to fold the wings, use the rocket-assisted takeoff gear (RATOG), or hang the fine selection of ordnance: three 1,000-pound bombs, 16 60-pound rockets mounted on eight two-tier rails, drop tanks, and a torpedo (which was never used operationally on the Wyvern).

Study the instructions carefully, as there are many small errors. For instance, step seven shows the canopy brace (part No. B22) incorrectly installed on the rear deck, while step 21 correctly shows the brace being attached to the inside of the canopy. The full-color painting and marking guide fails to mention the spinner markings included in the kit.

The fit of Trumpeter's Wyvern is outstanding. The complicated, multi-part spinner assembly holds together without glue. The wing assembly literally clicks into place. Parts count is high - 13 in the spinner assembly alone, of which only eight are visible - but there are no fit issues to slow down construction.

I didn't care for the film-backed instrument panel included in the highly detailed interior - the panel is molded in hard-topaint clear plastic, and it is too thick to show the gauges. I painted the fixed portion of the spinner prior to installation, as it would be difficult to mask otherwise.

The wing assembly is impressive with separate flaps and dive brakes, as well as folding outer wings. Trumpeter included folding tips, but these were only on early Wyverns that cannot be built from this kit without extensive modifications. The fit of the outer wings is excellent if unfolded. You should remove the hinges and install the inner gear doors in the closed position.

I have seen drawings that show the pylon mount on the folding portion of the wing, as Trumpeter has molded its kit, but photos show they should be under the fixed portion of the wing. Trumpeter directs the modeler to open holes in the center section based on the options chosen; but if you don't want to use the rockets, you have to fill all eight pairs of mounting holes.

The stabilizers include razor-thin finlets that fit well enough to leave off until after painting. Trumpeter overlooked the trademark tailplane dihedral. I removed the mounting tab and carefully sanded the stabilizer roots to the proper angle.

Trumpeter's Wyvern is an odd mix of brilliant fit and detail, coupled with strange research errors. Fortunately, the problems were easy to correct. You'll need some experience to build and correct this kit, but an impressive Wyvern awaits when you finish.

- Chuck Davis