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REVIEW
Horsa Glider Mk 1
CMOT
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ARMORAMA
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 03:13 AM UTC
Darren Baker takes a look at a long awaited offering from Bronco Models of the Airspeed A.S.51 Horsa Glider Mk 1 in 1/35th scale.

Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!
OddBall84
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 03:50 AM UTC
Pictures coming right up.
OddBall84
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 03:50 AM UTC
http://www.6thaarr.com/uploads/1/3/0/4/13040266/1236762_orig.jpg?233
SgtRam
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 03:51 AM UTC
Great review, bank breaker, but looks nice. And I would presume the figures will follow soon.

OddBall84
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 03:54 AM UTC
This one is about as clear as it gets.http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/marfleetwright/GPR/images/loadjeep.jpg
JPTRR
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 04:52 AM UTC
Here's a video about the Horsa. It doesn't show a jeep being loaded but it does show how the cockpit could hinge away Horsa Mk.II). Horsas were also made with an explosive cord to detach the tail (and I've seen the whole cockpit roughly detached) although that doesn't explain how the jeep would be loaded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d09YOacP-9g

From WarWheels.Net:
Quoted Text

Work by the British Airborne Forces and the Royal Electical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) was carried out and the problem solved by developing a set of standard modifications that would allow the Jeeps to fit into the Horsa Mark 1 glider. These standard modifications were made to most Jeeps as outlined by official British War Office regulations.

Although the modifications were standard, they were not made to all vehicles. The modifications were omitted or changed based upon the role of the individual vehicle and on the operational conditions expected. The most notable (and visible) standard Jeep modifications were the fitting of a removable steering wheel, removal of the windscreen/hood sticks, removal of the rear-bumperettes, removal of the side/rear grab handles, shortened front bumper, front mounted spare tire, pick and shovel, the jerry cans moved to the inside of the vehicle, the fitting of rear-mounted "A-Frames" for towing, and the fitting of a rear stowage rack/pannier.

JPTRR
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RAILROAD MODELING
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 05:05 AM UTC
Oh yeah - you have convinced me that this is an excellent model!
MrRoo
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 05:46 AM UTC
works out about $240 Australian Dollars including freight from Lucky Models in HongKong who have 2 showing in stock at present.

Bit too expensive for me as I'd probably buy another Merit Models Diamond T and Rogers Trailer Tank Transporter unit first LOL:P
CMOT
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 05:54 AM UTC
Fred I believe the Horsa where the cockpit swings open is the Mk 2. as regards the Jeep, I just cannot see how it could be swung around to fit inset the aircraft.
TankManNick
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 09:11 AM UTC
Hmm what's the size of this thing? I'm thinking 'hang from ceiling". Be even better with a 1/35 towing plane!!
simonking
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Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 - 12:09 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Fred I believe the Horsa where the cockpit swings open is the Mk 2. as regards the Jeep, I just cannot see how it could be swung around to fit inset the aircraft.



In the Mk I Horsa, the only way to get the jeep into the glider was through the side door. This was achieved by lots of manoeuveing as seen in the many photos around of jeeps being loaded into Mk Is.

This is the reason that the footstep between the front wing and bodywork was either bent down or removed completely. It gave the required clearance to get the jeep through the side door - with a bit of to-ing and fro-ing.

sk
digger303
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 04:50 AM UTC
Mr Roo.... probably find hobbyeasy will be cheaper once(when in stock) you add kit cost and freight also if you surface freight it cost is down to 212aud.
18Bravo
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 05:31 AM UTC

Quoted Text

works out about $240 Australian Dollars including freight from Lucky Models in HongKong who have 2 showing in stock at present.

Bit too expensive for me as I'd probably buy another Merit Models Diamond T and Rogers Trailer Tank Transporter unit first LOL:P



Yeah, a mention of price would be good, but understandably not always available. The one I looked at King's Hobby Shop in Austin I believe was $199.99.
zvezdah1
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 05:37 AM UTC
so will they do a 1/35 hamilcar next, that would be something!
bill_c
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 06:45 PM UTC
Excellent review, Darren. Lets us know what we get for our money.
CMOT
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 07:10 PM UTC
It is hard to provide a cost on a product from a manufacturer unless they provide a recommended price. The prices in stores and countries vary greatly and so are of no help to the reader.
bill_c
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 08:26 PM UTC

Quoted Text

It is hard to provide a cost on a product from a manufacturer unless they provide a recommended price. The prices in stores and countries vary greatly and so are of no help to the reader.


Are we so lazy we can't look up the price of this on the street?

Those who really want it won't let the price deter them. Those that don't really want it will complain about the cost.
18Bravo
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 09:06 PM UTC
I'll try not to burden anyone with useless info next time.
noddy927
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 10:14 PM UTC
Hannents in the UK are doing it pre order with 10% off for £98.99.
CMOT
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Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 - 10:15 PM UTC
Robert you asked a valid question and I wanted to provide an honest reply to that question, there was no issues with that question on my part.
Aeronut100
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Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2015 - 01:18 AM UTC
I can't wait to get my hands on one of these. Assault gliders are something I can bore people to death about. A few comments about the review. The direct vison panels in the canopy are correct but the small one lower down is for the cable angle indicator operating cable the trouble is the instrument panel doesn't have a cable angle indicator. The Jeep could be loaded via the ramp but needed part of the right hand side mudguard removed. There are many small details missing in the kit, there's no battery or very pistol flare tube in the cockpit, also missing are the floor hatches to access the control runs and the tow bar anchorage on the nose leg. Oddly there are parst in the kit not on the real aircraft, these are the control run conduits behind the main spar - the control runs to the tail ran under the floor.
jon_a_its
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Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2015 - 01:07 PM UTC

Quoted Text

It is hard to provide a cost on a product from a manufacturer unless they provide a recommended price. The prices in stores and countries vary greatly and so are of no help to the reader.



Robert, et al, your point isn't irrelevant, but as Darren Baker said, pricing is wildly variable.

In the UK, Bronco kits are much more reasonably priced at shop retail level than many, say compared to Trumpeter or AFV Club.
In other countries this my not be so.

E.G., This Horsa is being advertised retail from UKP £99.00 (Hannants) to £120.00 (not Hannants)
It is also available from e.g., LuckyModel & others online, for approx UKP £80 with Air shipping to the UK. (not including customs charges)

Where you are located, who your regional importer is, & where you choose to spend your £/$/€/Yuan all will influence our buying decisions.
(excluding SWIMBO/finance/Kids staring Uni/space/& can you get away with it considerations )
jon_a_its
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Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2015 - 01:13 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these. Assault gliders are something I can bore people to death about. A few comments about the review. The direct vison panels in the canopy are correct but the small one lower down is for the cable angle indicator operating cable the trouble is the instrument panel doesn't have a cable angle indicator. The Jeep could be loaded via the ramp but needed part of the right hand side mudguard removed. There are many small details missing in the kit, there's no battery or very pistol flare tube in the cockpit, also missing are the floor hatches to access the control runs and the tow bar anchorage on the nose leg. Oddly there are parst in the kit not on the real aircraft, these are the control run conduits behind the main spar - the control runs to the tail ran under the floor.



Good Info, could be relics of MB's original conflation of their initial MK1/MK2 hybrid, but a massive advance in detail compared to any other smaller scaled kit on the market.

Time research & WiP's will show up any tiny flaws though.
Like/Want though...
bill_c
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Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2015 - 10:32 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I'll try not to burden anyone with useless info next time.


Now, now, no one said you can't mention the price, but asking the reviewer to do your homework is a bit much, Robert! Just poking a bit of fun your way. Having written over 250 reviews for this site, I have definite ideas about what a review should and should not contain.

But let me be the first to say "thanks" for providing the information. I mean it. That's where these discussion threads help enhance any review.
18Bravo
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Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2015 - 11:01 PM UTC
I recall mentioning it's understandable that he didn't mention the price. Not bothered by it.
But I clearly did not ask anyone to do my homework. If I wanted to be reminded of what bad form that is I'd read Michael Mass's comments on the IDF forum.
I think the three hour drive to Austin counts as "doing my homework," don't you?
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