Scale Plastic & Rail

1:32 FE.2b Late from Wingnut Wings

Wingnut Wings
Catalogue # 32025
Available from Wingnut Wings for $89.00, with FREE worldwide delivery

On October 30th, 1915, the first FE.2b, a Boulton-Paul built machine, entered service with No.16 Squadron in France. Despite some initial changes in wing aerofoil section and the need for an increased fuel capacity, the FE.2b served with distinction as both a fighter and bomber, despite the relatively slow speed and limited manoeuvrability in comparison to contemporary fighters of the time. The pusher configuration of the FE.2b was Britain's answer to the Fokker Scourge of 1915. The Allies, not having any forward MG to propeller synchronisation, initially relied on both the FE.2b and DH.2 to redress the fortunes of the Allied effort in the skies over the France.

Initially powered by the 120hp Beardmore, the more powerful 160hp Beardmore was used on later machines. The nacelle configuration of the FE.2b was tiered, with the pilot sitting quite high, and the forward gunner/observer occupying a worryingly shallow position to the front and lower than the pilot. The gunner had an amazing field of 'fire' with an MG mounted to the front and behind him. To use the rear MG, the gunner needed to stand, and this was precarious, to say the least as the nacelle was only knee height in such circumstances, and the fear of falling must have been very real.

The FE.2b became a successful night bomber against forward lines and munitions/aircraft based targets and served right up until the Armistice. 

This is the first of my reviews for the latest set of releases from Wingnut Wings, with the Rumpler C.IV Early to follow soon.. The FE.2B Early and Rumpler C.IV Late will shortly be brought to you by our WW1 expert, Robin.

Again, first impressions last, with the instantly recognisable Wingnut Wings box carrying an atmospheric artwork by Steve Anderson, depicting a dawn raid on a Zeppelin airbase, with the FE.2b carrying black paintwork. The artwork is beautifully edged in silver again.

Inside the box there are TEN sprues of light grey plastic and one clear sprue. Again, all are individually bagged to prevent damage. In the bottom of the box, the manual, decals and photo etch fret can be found.

Looking through the sprues, it feels off not to see a full solid fuselage. Sprue A contains the single piece 'ladder' frames that make up the open-style fuselage framework, and Sprue B contains the diminutive crew nacelle and nacelle interior. The majority of cockpit and nacelle interior parts are spread across these sprues also.

Before you begin work on this model, you need to decide from the outset exactly which machine you wish to build as you'll need to drill or cut out apertures into the forward floor to install flare tube, camera and forward facing MG. The nacelle, unsurprisingly, contains a fuel tank upon which the pilots' seat is located. The tank itself even contains the fuel supply line and filler feed. The pilots' seat is moulded in two parts; the seat itself and nice looking upholstered cushion. Also within the nacelle is the engine radiator to the rear, and MG magazine locker (doubling as an observer seat), starting magneto, rudder pedals and pulleys, plus a beautiful one piece instrument panel, petrol pressurisation pump. Moulding is excellent across every part, with no flash, and even the smallest part doesn't really have any issue with seams. The instrument panel also has over 15 decals to add, which is quite unusual in relation to the other WNW kits I've seen. I love a busy instrument panel, especially in an open cockpit! Photo-etch seatbelts are provided for both pilot and observer.

A main fuel tank is provided and this is located directly under the engine bearers, and a full rigging and bracing diagram is given for the nacelle. I think it's important that a little bracing at least, is attempted due to the interior being quite easily seen. The nacelle exterior comes in three main parts; two sides and the underside. The stitching on the exterior of the nacelle, and the front nose studs and the fuel filler ports are all superbly rendered and look very realistic.

Assembly of the undercarriage should be quite simple with 'V' shaped struts, braced with an axle and movable wheels. The undercarriage struts have tabs which locate to the nacelle. I can't see anything that would tax the modeller here. The fabric and spoke detail on the hubs is outstanding.

The 260hp Beardmore engine is moulded across one sprue and comprises around 30 parts. Again, detail is stunning, and very crisp. The cylinders on the real engine were water cooled and jacketed in copper, so you'll need to avail yourself of a good paint to replicate this. I suggest the Alclad Copper lacquer as the finish is unparalleled. With the polished metal oil tank sitting next to the coppered Beardmore, the engine bay is a very busy section of this model. You'll still need to add a little plumbing to the engine for a little extra realism, but overall, this will build into a very impressive power-plant behind that imposing four-bladed propeller. Two different styles are provided.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Depending on the machine you are building, the lower wings will have to be carefully drilled to accept the various flares and ordinance. Instructions and the numerous measurements for this are given, but you will need to make sure you have a sharp 0.5mm drill for this. The wings plug into the nacelle with a positive locating tab, pre-angled to ensure correct dihedral.

As you'll imagine, there are a lot of struts to be placed here. All look to have positive placements via their moulded pins, but I would take some serious time here to ensure that all lines up properly, otherwise you'll struggle with the main booms. Wingnut Wings have made this as painless as they can, but even they can't overcome the general arrangement of the FE.2b! The upper wing is made from four parts; two outboard panels which plug into a centre section constructed from upper and lower halves. Ensure your alignment is now correct!!! I can't stress that enough.

The tail booms are quite straightforward to assemble. After locating the 'V' joint at the extreme edge of the booms, a series of cross members can be installed, and with the rudder, this can be plugged into the main wing assembly.

Wing surfaces are beautifully detailed with rib and fabric construction, and all control surfaces display the same quality. The latter are also separate, meaning you can pose these in any position you wish.

I have to warn you that this model requires rigging on epic proportions. Before you attach the tail booms, you'll need to rig the wings, and there are a lot of struts! The tail booms themselves need cross bracing rigging wires to be added before you assemble to the wing. When that is done, you'll still have rigging to do, and various rigging pulleys to thread. As the rigging material on these machines had a flat section, check HERE and buy yourself some of the proper material from Wingnut Wings when you order your FE.2b kit.

Luckily, the rigging drawings are very good, and despite it being a long process, the instructions are easy to follow, with various coloured lines to represent different rigging sections. Drink plenty of coffee and ensure that you have some good, fresh CA before you embark on this.

A good quantity of ordinance is supplied here. This consists of:

• 8 x 20lb HALE Bombs
• 8 x 20lb Copper Bombs
• 2 x Michelin Parachute Flares
• 2 x 110lb HERL Bombs
• 2 x 112lb HERL Bombs (early)
• 1 x 230lb High Explosive Bomb

All bombs and MG's are moulded on 2 sprues called 'RFC Armaments'.

I have already discussed the general detail of the almost 350 parts which make up this kit, but the overall quality of moulding is of the highest quality. I can find no flash anywhere, and seams are negligible. Ejector pin marks aren't even work discussing as most are sprue-based and those that aren't, can't be seen when construction is complete.

The single clear sprue contains SEVEN parts. Three of these are windscreens, while the others include camera lenses and wing mounted landing lights. Moulding is crystal clear with no flash or flaw.

The single photo-etch fret contains TWELVE parts, including seat belts, MG reticules etc.

The instruction manual for this is a beautifully glossy 36 page publication, with historical notation on the front page, a parts plan, and many simple to follow constructional sequences which are beautifully drawn. Some illustration is in full colour, while good use of different colour inks defines various newly added parts and already-constructed sequences. Numerous photographs show both period images and colour images of a restored machine. The rear of the manual shows the FIVE colour scheme options in both profile, plan and underside elevations, with all colour notation being given in Tamiya, Humbrol and Misterkit reference codes. Reference to colour is made throughout construction also.

Decals are supplied on three sheets. One of these contains stencils and manufacturers stamps, and is common to both WNW FE.2b releases. The main sheet contains national, personal and squadron markings as well as a number of stencils. A third sheet gives the white portions for one set of roundels, printed separately. All decals are printed by Cartograf, and are thin, have solid and authentic colour, as well as being in perfect register and pin-sharp. Carrier film is also minimal.

Schemes are supplied for five aircraft, and these are:

• FE.2b, 7018, 'Punjab 32 Montgomery', Boulton & Paul built, LBF Morris & T Rees, 11Sqdn, September 1916
• FE.2b, 7666, 'B4', Boulton & Paul built, Training Squadron, June 1917
• FE.2b, A778, 'Alfred Muller Simpson', G& J Weir built, FH McNamara VC & SJ Hendy, CFS Australia, Mid 1918
• FE.2b, A852, G & J Weir built, LG Taylor FE LeFevre, 100Sqdn, January 1918
• FE.2b, A5650, 'Jess', G & J Weir built, 100Sqdn and USAS, mid – late 1918

So what do we think?
Wingnut Wings have handled such a difficult subject in their own style and made it buildable for any modeller with a modicum of biplane experience. Where the modeller will really be tested is with the rigging. There is no doubt that this is a high quality package through and through, and for the many hours of building and finishing pleasure that it will bring, it represents excellent value for money, especially with free delivery.

Very highly recommended

Our sincere thanks to Wingnut Wings for the review sample used here. To purchase this directly, click THIS link.

James H