Pavla 1/72 Supermarine S.6

The two S.6 racers were entered into the 1929 Schneider Trophy at Calshot, England. N247 came first piloted by Flying Officer H.R. Waghorn at a speed of 328.63 mph (528.88 km/h). N248 was disqualified when it turned inside one of the marker poles, but nonetheless, set World closed-circuit records for 50 and 100 km during its run.

The British government withdrew support for the next Schneider Trophy race in 1931 but due to a public outcry as well as private financing coming forward, funding was restored, a mere nine months before the contest. All that could be done was to modify the S.6 to take a more powerful 2,350 hp (1,750 kW) version of the Rolls-Royce R engine and two were built as the Supermarine S.6B. The two existing S.6s were re-designated as S.6As with new floats, added cooling areas and statically-balanced control surfaces. All four S.6s were brought up to a similar standard with nine Rolls-Royce R engines shared between them.

Although the British team faced no competitors, the RAF High Speed Flight brought six Supermarine Schneider racers to Calshot Spit on Southampton Water for training and practice. The aircraft were: S.5 N219, second at Venice in 1927, S.5 N220, winner at Venice in 1927, S.6A N247, that won at Calshot in 1929, S.6A N248, disqualified at Calshot in 1929, alongside the new and untested S.6Bs, S1595 and S1596.

The British plan for the Schneider contest was to haveS1595 fly the course alone and if its speed was not high enough, or it encountered mechanical failure, then the more proven S.6A N248 would fly the course. If both S1595 and N248 failed in their attempts, N247 held in reserve would be used. The S.6B S1596 was then to attempt the World Air Speed Record. During training N247 flown by Navy Lt. G.N. Brinton was destroyed in a fatal takeoff accident, precluding any other plans with only the two S.6Bs and the surviving S.6A prepared for the final Schneider run. N248 remained as part of the team for the 1931 contest at Calshot but did not fly in the race.

N248 is still extant and displayed in Southhampton.

Unlike their previous S.6B kit, this one is all resin. Molding is to high standards with nicely engraved panel lines where needed. The tiny cockpit is quite complete with a seat, floor with rudder pedals, control stick, instrument panel and forward bulkhead. A pair of vacuformed canopies are included. The fuselage has a separate 'keel' that needs to be added as well as two engine bank covers. Floats and struts are well formed and also resin. Apparently somewhere along the line, the S.6 had one shorter float on the left side, perhaps to try to overcome engine torque while on the water. This and a standard float are included in the kit. Float braces are separate additions. The one piece wings and tailplanes are very nicely done and will butt join when time comes to install them. A resin prop with shaft is included.

The rest of the resin is for a beaching dolly or wooden sawhorses. The modeler will need to use some stretched sprue or short wire for the rigging. Instructions are quite well done and provide a complete rigging diagram. There are three markings options. One is the 1929 winning aircraft as well as the second aircraft that cut a pylon during the event. A third option is for a plane painted a bit differently from the other two, but never raced in this scheme. All three options have the same colors; Aluminum and Dark Blue. Humbrol, Agama and FS 595 color references are supplied. Decals are superbly done and should provide no problems if one is careful as they have proven to be quite thin.

Another fine addition to Pavla's racing aircraft collection and one that I'm sure you will want on your shelf.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_S.6

July 2010

Thanks toPavla Models. for the review kit. Get yours at your local shop or have them order it for you.

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