Model by Bill Geoghegan
Photographs by the author
The Lublin R-XIII was the Polish Air Force's most widely used observation aircraft up to the outbreak of war in September 1939. Some 288 planes were produced following the R-XIII's introduction in 1931, including 20 examples of two naval variants equipped with floats for amphibious use. The D model was released in 1932, and was eventually produced in greater numbers than any other version.
The model shown in these photos represents an R-XIIID of the 13th Observational Flight of the 1st Air Regiment, based in the Warsaw area during August and September of 1939. The design is by Marek Pacynski, and represents one of the many delightful pre- and post-war Polish aircraft he has released in 1:50 scale. The model is surprisingly large for a single engine monoplane in 1:50. But with a 43'5" (13.25m) wingspan on the prototype, the model's wingspan runs to about 10.5 inches (26.7cm). The model is slightly more detailed than most of Marek's designs and, except for the complex and somewhat fragile landing gear, it goes together without much difficulty. Fit is excellent, and there are some good opportunities for extra detailing.
The kit is available in electronic form from Models by Marek. It is also published in printed form by KEL in Poland, and is available from a number of European dealers who carry the KEL line. The model shown here was purchased from Models by Marek on CD-ROM and was printed on Borden & Riley #234 Paris bristol (108 pound, 9"x12", .008" thickness) using a Lexmark Z53 inkjet printer at 1200 dpi.
A detailed construction review will be published in a later issue of Cardmodelers Online.
Click on a thumbnail to see the larger image.
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