Having released four different boxings of its 1/48 Siebel Si 204, Special Hobby now offers the licence-built Nord NC.701 variant, as CHRIS CLIFFORD discovers.
Seldom shy of providing unusual subjects, Special Hobby made an interesting move in 2019 by offering a 1/48 new-tool Siebel Si 204. The aircraft was intended as a light civilian transport, but come wartime was quickly transformed into an instructional platform for bomber and night-fighter crews, and a liaison machine. The real development and licence-building provided Special Hobby with the chance to issue several helpings of its Siebel parts, as the Si 204D/E and Czech Aero C-3A/B. Now, though, another boxing (SH 48200) offers extra components and fresh markings so modellers can replicate Nord-built NC.701 Martinet post-war airframes, operated by the French Navy and Air Force, plus the mapping agencies of Poland and Sweden.
Above: Delicate panel line and rivet engraving is evident on all large parts. Note that a separate port fuselage door is supplied, but you’ll need to cut away the in-situ door if you want to pose the individual item open.
Above: Extensive framework moulding is provided on the inner faces of the fuselage halves… but there are also ejector-pin marks.