Revell 1/72 Nieuport N.28 C-1

REVELL 1:72 NIEUPORT N.28 C-1
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Richard Stracey (rec.models.scale)
- A Built up review of this kit exists on this site - see the respective fully built kit review index to locate review

Revell # 04189 1/72 NIEUPORT N.28 C-1

The Nieuport N28 first flew in June 1917 but production was cancelled in favor of the Spad XIII. As the United States had finally entered the war and had no fighter aircraft of its own the USAS 95^th Pursuit squadron was issued with the Nieuport in Feb. 1918 rather than the preferred Spad. Although many American flyers became aces in the N28 it did suffer problems with the upper wing fabric peeling off in a dive and unreliable engines. By mid July 1918 they had started to be replaced by the Spad XIII.

The N28 was powered by either the 160hp Gnome or 170hp Le Rhone rotary engine and sported two .303 Browning machine guns. The length was 6.40m (21’) and wingspan 8.15m (26’9.25”).

This 2008 kit is one of nine WWI aircraft produced by Revell GB back in the 1960s, eight of which have at last been re issued. It consists of twenty seven parts in grey plastic, one decal option, a seven stage instruction sheet, sprue map and rigging diagram. Annoyingly only Revell colours are quoted and a warning sheet in no less than twenty one languages is included! The parts are sealed in a plastic bag and the box is also sealed.

This is quite a simple kit compared to the DH 2 in that the struts are provided in the “bar” style thus making the attachment of the top wing simpler. Some people prefer this system and some don’t. There is no cockpit detail other than a seat so if the pilot is not used an Aeroclub seat and joystick (VO 54) could come in handy. The windscreen (12) needs replacing with some clear plastic. Unlike the DH 2 where the engine and gun are exposed, the engine is hidden inside the tight cowl and the guns under the top wing. If needed an Aeroclub Gnome (EO 19) and (GO 19) guns could be substituted. The cowl (2) needs the slots drilling out as these are a quite obvious feature and can be seen in the painting guide and box artwork. As usual with bi planes it is simpler to paint them before the top wing is added and rigging should be attempted.

The one decal option is for Eddy Rickenbacker’s mount from the 1^st. Pursuit Group, 94^th. Aero Squadron in France and look to be first class! The rather complicated (for WWI) six colour camouflage is well depicted in the instructions so should cause no problem.

I could find very little of use on the internet and don’t have access to my reference books at the moment but I am sure that Profile Publication # 79 would be of use as would Squadron Signal “Nieuport Fighters in Action” #167. The resulting model should look pretty eye catching what with the interesting camouflage and markings and the fact that the N28 is a sporty, good looking little machine.

RHS/08

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