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Amodel 1/72 Rutan Voyager - Inbox Review

Dave Ward

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Amodel are a Ukrainian manufacturer ( I think! ) they produce a large range of limited-run kits - they seem to be marketed by IBG Models, of Poland. There's nothing on the box that actually says where it made!
The Rutan Yoyager made the first non-stop unrefuelled flight round the world in 1986. It was extensively of a composite construction, fibreglass etc & aerodynamic smoothness was important - it had two engines, the front engine only used for take off ( and back up! ).
As far as I know, this is the only model of the Voyager in any scale. This boxing dates back to 2001 - the boxes were changed in 2010, but the contents were the same.
rutan voyager.jpg
Rather flimsy box...............
Sprue shots
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This is definitely a short run kit! The plastic feels a bit soft & soapy. A lot of clean up & dry fitting will be needed - note the old-school stand!

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Decals look a little fragile.........................
Instructions A4 folded sheet
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Looks reasonably clear - a simple model!

A few detail shots - not many, 'cos not much detail!
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The detail on the wheels etc is soft, and there is a lot of flash/burrs that will need to be cleaned before even attempting dry fitting.
The major problem I foresee is the wing joints - the model will have a span of 470mm X 123mm long, and getting them to hold will probably need drilling for wire strengthening.
In flight, the wings of the Voyager flexed to a huge extent:
Voyager-800x450-1200x0-c-default.jpg
Modelling that would be a challenge!
This is the only game in town, if you want a model of the Voyager!!!
Availability? Nada! I did an internet search, and came up with one only ( and that was on ebay in UK ) for sale! So, it would have to be a case of sitting & waiting! Probably only a collectors item. Mine will stay in the stash....................
Dave
 
Nice one dave , good old Amodel . I dont think most people realise exactly how rough these kits are , anyone used to modern tamiya type stuff would have a coronary if they tried to build one of these ! They offer great subjects though and with a lot of patience , filler and resolve can make a nice model . Ive done a few and still have their Tu 128 fiddler in the stash , ive been psyching myself up to tackle it for about 5 years !
 
You do find some oddball kits Dave!
I was just about to say the same :rolling:
I actually remember the record breaking flight. Luckily I have no desire to build a model of this as the kit looks a lot of work
Jim
 
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