An Exceptional Airplane Translated Into An Extraordinary 1:16 Scale Model
There has never been a scale airplane model as highly detailed as the Sopwith Camel by Model Airways. We've captured virtually every detail of the original to reproduce this legendary aircraft as a historically accurate 1:16 scale replica.
True To The Original
The real Sopwith Camel had no plastic parts. Neither does our model. The kit replicates every part of the Sopwith in materials much like those used in the original airplane. Components are first class, starting with hundreds of laser-cut aircraft quality birch and basswood (much higher density than balsa) parts for ribs and fuselage. A perfectly scaled Clerget 9-B rotary engine complete with cylinders, distributor and crankcase is assembled from over 70 precision cast Britannia metal parts. More than 350 other accurately scaled Britannia metal, brass and rubber pieces, plus copper wire reproduce virtually every detail.
BRIEF HISTORY
As a successor to the Pup, the Sopwith Camel entered Royal Navy squadron service in July of 1917. It was designed to help the British gain control of the skies over the trenches of WWI. The Sopwith Camel accounted for 1,294 victories, more than any other Allied aircraft type.
The Sopwith Camel was the first British fighter to mount twin synchronized .303 Vickers machine guns in front of the cockpit. A fairing surrounding the gun installation created a hump, giving the Camel its name.
The Sopwith Camel F.1 had a wingspan of 28 ft., was 18 ft. 9 in. in length, and was powered by a 130hp Clerget 9-cylinder rotary engine, producing a maximum speed of 101-113 mph. Fluid capacity of 26 gallons allowed 2.5 hours of flying time. Fiery and temperamental, the Camel had a wicked torque and was difficult to fly. In fact, more men lost their lives learning to fly it than using it in combat. But in the hands of an experienced pilot, the Camel was a deadly opponent in a dog-fight. Its greatest glory came on April 21, 1918 when it shot down Germany's famous Red Baron.
KIT FEATURES
- True-to-life structural static model without fabric covering reproduces virtually every detail of the real aircraft
- Over 150 laser cut birch parts for wings and fuselage
- Over 70 Britannia metal parts for building the Clerget engine, complete with cylinders, magneto & radiator
- Accurately scaled brass and steel parts, plus copper wire to reproduce fine detail
- Illustrated step-by-step instruction manual will assist novice and expert modelers in the completion of a museum quality model
- Five highly detailed, actual size plan sheets
Model Airways Model Airplane Kit No. MA1030
- Wingspan 21"
- Fuselage Length 14-1/16"
- Scale 1:16 (3/4" = 1' 0")
- Difficulty Rating: Intermediate Level