Matchbox/Revell 1/72 Fairey Seafox

MATCHBOX/REVELL 1:72 FAIREY SEAFOX

Reviewer: Richard Stracey (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted: 22 June 2002 (#46)

FAIREY SEAFOX MATCHBOX / REVELL 40036 1/72

Aircraft:
The Seafox’s moment of glory came on the 13^th December 1938. Flying from HMS Ajax it spotted for the Battle of the River Plate that resulted in the scuttling of the battleship Graf Spee on the 17^th. Unfortunately, very little seems to be known about the aircraft. The Ajax carried two Seafoxes probably not camouflaged and possibly K 8581 and K 8582 with the crest of Ajax on the fin. As one was damaged only one spotted but no one seems to remember which or any other details except that Lt. Lewin received the DFC for his efforts and Lt. Kearney was mentioned in despatches. Sixty six aircraft existed, built to specification S11/32 and first flying on 27^th May 1936. With a span of 40’ and a length of 33’ 5 ½” they were powered by a 395 h.p. Napier Rapier “H” air cooled engine which proved to be a bit underpowered. It’s only armament was a Vickers or Lewis machine gun operated by the observer and it could carry 2x100lb. anti submarine or 8x20lb. Bombs under the wings. A couple were also flown with wheels instead of floats.

The Kit:
This kit which dates from 1982 consists of forty two bi coloured parts including two crew but unlike the original Lesney issue this 1986 Revell reissue has no stand. As a two bay biplane with floats it can not be recommended for beginners although, thanks to the good fit of parts, is reasonably simple to assemble.

Construction:
There is not much detail in the cockpit but unless Aeroclub or Tasman decides to produce a vacform canopy and windshield the canopy should be firmly fixed in the closed position as it is far too thick to be shown open (Note: I found out after that Falcon do a Seafox Vac-Form canopy - Clear Vax Set 19, No.8 - Richard). I did cut and depress the flaps on the upper and lower wings to the take off position. No, no reason, just thought it a good idea at the time.

I did, however, have a good reason for not following steps 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 as I considered it much simpler to first fit the lower wings to the fuselage then add the main struts (4) to the upper wing before tidying up the “slot and bar” fixing points. I then added the top wing to the lower before adding the carbine struts (7, 9 & 10) and lastly adding the horizontal tail s (15 & 21) using the wings to visually line them up.

I had my doubts about the sequence of fitting the floats but, due to the fact that the float tops (16) fitted into the floats so well I used Matchbox’s method. All would have been fine if I hadn’t fitted the float tops back to front, only discovering the error of my ways when I tried to add the floats! My fault, not Matchbox’s. Take care!

The undercarriage struts (23 & 24) need plenty of care and glue to attach them to the fuselage as the fixing points are not too positive. Other than that, not too bad.

Versions & Painting:
Now for the complaints! What is worse, Revell’s painting guide or decals? The option is for a camouflaged machine from 702 Sqn. on HMS Asturias in 1942 or an all aluminium painted one from HMS Arethusa in 1939. I chose the latter, K 8587. The Seafox had an all metal fuselage with silver doped fabric covered flying surfaces with red tips to the floats. I can’t even begin to imagine what the camouflaged L 4526 would look like if one followed Revell’s painting suggestions. As usual they are more interested in flogging their own brand of paint. The main colours should look more like Humbrol 27 and 102 over 64 with a lightened shade of 27 and 102 for the “shadow” effect on the upper surfaces of the lower wings.

Decals:
Now for the decals! Even after two coats of Microscale Liquid Decal Film they still fell apart. Not really a problem as most had to be replaced anyway. For K 8587, the roundels were an odd colour and the proportions a bit suspect. They were replaced as was “K 8587” as the script was far too heavy. I did manage to rescue the bits of “H9A” but didn’t use the wt markings as they were closer to 1/48 than 1/72 and anyway, although they were probably there I can’t spot them on photographs. As for L 4526, the upper wing roundels are of suspect proportions and the fuselage ones, out of register.

Finishing:
Rigging was by way of fine wire and white glue and the Arial from hemming nylon. There is scope for adding detail such as the landing lights, footsteps, pitot tubes, water rudder control lines and cockpit detail. I did drill two holes in each float with the intention of scratchbuilding beaching gear but decided that it would prove to be too delicate if in scale.

Reference Notes:
Both Scale Aircraft Modelling and Scale Models International reviewed this kit in their July ’82 issues. The best article, including photos and plans come in Harry Woodman’s article in Scale Models of Sep.’75 and Ian Huntley talks about the Seafox and it’s role in the Battle of the River Plate in Scale Aircraft Modelling of Nov.’93. The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Aircraft V8 p.1719 features the Seafox including a photo of K 8587.

Overall:
In conclusion, a very nice kit of an obscure aircraft that one wouldn’t expect from a mainstream company which may go some way to explain the demise of Lesney. Like Frog before them I always admired their courage in some of their subjects but wondered how commercially successful their choice was.

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