FROG Green series F241 Martin Maryland, 1973
KIT COMMENT
TWO NEW КITS FROM FROG
1:72 scale Maryland and Swordfish
The two most recent releases from Frog are 1:72nd scale models of the Martin Maryland and the Fairey Swordfish. Both are good kits and in the case of the former there is no other model of this type on the market either in injection moulded or vacuform construction. The Swordfish, although echoeing a rather ancient Airfix offering provides floats as well as a land undercarriage plus better detail than its predecessor.
Of the two kits we had for review the Maryland found greatest favour. This was possibly because of its unique character but also because it was a more straightforward model to build and paint. It is, however, not without its faults.
Overall accuracy is good but from the constructional point of view the model has a 'heavy' feeling that is difficult to overcome. Unlike some other Frog models, the wing and tailplane trailing edges have been improved and are now near scale dimensions but the undercarriage seems to have suffered this time. Although the Maryland had but a single strut for the main oleo leg on each wheel we are sure that a little more detail could have been provided here.
The other problems we noted were the engine nacelles. The moulding of these is not precise and results in a gap between the dorsal line air intake on the nacelle and its extension over the wing. The actual intake itself is also far from sharp and had to be drilled out before painting.
At first sight we thought that the moulding of the nose transparency was going to give trouble but by using one of the liquid polystyrene cements a very neat join was made between the two halves which are split along the fuselage joint line. By using the file and some fine wet and dry paper the joint was sufficiently removed so that when the painting stage was reached it was difficult to realise that the section was made up in this way.
Decals provided with the Maryland were not terribly exciting but this is not the fault of the manufacturer. Most of the aircraft were in RAF service in the Middle East and this is reflected in the two sets of markings provided albeit that they represent associated units in the Command.
The most interesting is that of NQ228 flown by the Escadrille 'Nantes' GBII/20 'Bretagne' operating with the Free French forces at Zouer and Tchad, Fezzan campaigns in 1941-42. French roundels and the Cross of Lorraine markings are included. The alternative is an aircraft of No 24Sqdn, No 3 Wing, South African Air Force coded 'X' in the Western desert. The subject is fairly well known as there is one excellent Imperial War Museum picture of it in dark earth and mid stone upper surfaces and azure blue for the rest.
The Frog Maryland model is a satisfactory kit and will fill a needed gap in the collection. The minor problems we found can all be easily adjusted apart from the complications of the undercarriage legs and at 42p Frog have once again satisfied the needs of many.
Aviation News Vol 2 Num 19 15-28 February 1973
NEW AND IN VIEW
FROG MARTIN MARYLAND.
Just to be different this is a simple 'clean' kit which fits quite nicely. As a rather neglected type we are glad to see this issued, and though references are scarce the model appears quite accurate. This one does not even have the usual Frog bugbear of complicated and difficult fitting engine nacelles. . .A GOOD buy.
The IPMS magazine, october 1973
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