1/700 3D printed floatplanes from Shelf Oddity (preview)

[Vladi]

Hello guys,

It�s Christmas for me today! I just received pre-production samples of the main workhorse floatplanes of USN and IJN from my friend Greg/Blacman of Shelf Oddity and I can�t find enough superlatives. I am sure you�ll agree with me!

*** Curtiss SOC Seagull ***

This one is my clear favorite - I always liked biplanes and these will be perfect for my USS Astoria and Vincennes builds.
Note the open canopy with even a gunner�s seat in it.
There are two versions of engines provided, one of them with a removed cowling, which is a very nice touch.

TBC

[Vladi]

*** Vought OS2U Kingfisher ***

The most widely used USN catapult-launched floatplane of WW2 seen first on battleships, but later in the war also on heavy and light cruisers and even on destroyers (DD-470, DD-479, DD-480).
Note the extremely thin struts on underwing floats!
And again there�s the option to build it with removed cowling.

[Vladi]

Aichi E13A "Jake"

Last but not least the workhorse of IJN, an extraordinary long-range scout of a typical Japanese design, used on battleships, cruisers as well as seaplane carriers and island bases.
Please note this is a pre-production sample subject to further adjustments, so only 2 main floats (plus one extra - these were regularly carried as spares and stowed on the deck or superstructure of the ship) are provided here.
One a/c can be built with folded wings.
Engine in several variants with/without a partially removed cowling is provided.

[Vladi]

Conclusion?

Honestly, I have not seen too many parts comparable to these, this is clearly an excellent example of perfect design combined with the current state-of-the-art of 3D printing technology. Still, PE will be the preferred way for propellers, of which variants will be provided.

Once again, these were printed to test printability and assembly, they are not final products.

The only criticism I can think of so far is: How on Earth will I manage to paint the instrument panels???

[Pieter]

If you use black primer on these aircraft you will paint the instrument panels. The seats and parachutes though....

[Vladi]

... and dials on instrument panels???

[Dan K]

Thx for the review, Vladi.

Hmmm. I do have a build requiring Jakes coming up. I will have to consider these.

[MartinJQuinn]

I like that the parts break out, as opposed to being printed as one part. Detail looks really good.

[Vladi]

Hi guys, thanks. I plan to put them together in the next few days, will post results

[Vladi]

So here are some photos of the assembled prints:

*** Aichi E13A "Jake" ***

[Vladi]

*** Vought OS2U Kingfisher ***

The easiest one to assemble, totally straightforward

[Vladi]

*** Curtiss SOC Seagull ***

The cutest (to me) of the planes but also the more complicated to put together. Attaching and aligning the floats properly was not very easy, especially in case of the super-tiny floats under wings. I sent some thoughts to Greg/blacman so that he can perhaps revise these to make it easier.

But the results are very good in all cases, I think you�ll agree. Plan to post more photos as soon as I get to priming them.

[Dan K]

I like the look of the Jakes. Seems clean. Did it take much to put it together? I need some for a current build.

[Vladi]

The Kingfisher was really like a snap, the Jake took slightly longer, but not a great deal. I�ve sent some little suggestions to Greg, let�s see when he�ll be able to address them, he�s very busy.

[Dan K]

Ok, thx.