by Mark Johnson
Model photographs by the author
This is the Westland Lysander in 1:50 scale from Marek Pacyński. Due to the many curves and complex shapes, the model was fairly challenging in spite of the low parts count and lack of an interior. The landing gear is an especially complex assembly. However, with a bit of patience the parts do fit together and look convincing when completed. All of Marek's kits are very rugged when assembled as directed. There are many internal components which precisely form the cross sections and add strength to the model.
This design uses butt joined sections without connecting strips. I was skeptical at first of the ability to smoothly join sections with this technique. If you use a thick (at least 1mm), rigid cardboard to reinforce the bulkheads, and sand the mating surfaces perfectly flat with fine sandpaper prior to assembly, this is perhaps the best method for joining sections that I've used to date.
Don't omit the wire reinforcements, especially the one that ties the two landing gear struts together. This wire extends through the fuselage and ties the two gear struts together. Without it, it's impossible to get the alignment correct.
I've built several of Marek's WWI designs as well as the 1:33 scale Pitts (see http://members.cox.net/mjohnson146/photo_link.htm), but this was the first of his WWII aircraft that I attempted. I was so pleased with the result that I immediately started the Brewster Buffalo. I'll let you know how that turns out.
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