AJP | Caudron Renault CR 714 C1

Reviewed by Dan LoRusso

I recently received the 1/32nd AJP Caudron Rennault CR 714 C1 "Cyclone" from France. They took my credit card over 2 emails and the model was delivered to my door in less then 2 weeks from the time of ordering. Don't get me wrong it is be a bit on the pricey side !! The total with European tax and Air Mail shipping was $184.00 USD. This is, however one of the NICEST all resin kits I've seen. The subject matter is also unusual. Not as complicated to the novice as say a Craftworks kit would be. The resin is nearly 99% bubble free. My sample had no, yes I said NO flash whatsoever!!

The model consists of 21 resin pieces (the control stick, tail skid and antennae mast are not shown in the photo). A crisp clear vac canopy insert. Several pieces of plastic and metal rod and tube to make up the pitot tube, guns, etc. and the decals.The outer wing sections have metal rods cast into them and slip spot on into place with the mid-wing section.Very impressive. Little or no filler may be needed here where these are panel lines. The canopy section is, in my opinion, a masterpiece of design. The clear vac piece, once cut to size, should snap into place inside the canopy resin frame. An additional small sheet of clear acetate is for the large rear windows is also include. You'll have to cut and trim these yourself, but they too should also fit inside the canopy frame recess.

The decals I received come in 3 sheet. First is your standard blue decal paper with all the white markings on them. The 2nd (as seen in the photo) is a heavy, glossy decal paper. I wont know how the decals react until I actually try them. They do seem clearly printed with all the pertinent stencils as well as several markings. I'm not sue if the instruments are a decal or a printed glossy sheet to cut out. (I may just use it as a template for some various Waldron instruments and bezels. But, that's just me!!)

An instructional sheet is included with your typical exploded assembly drawings. Nothing extensive, but anyone with even the minimal amount of resin experience should have no problem building this one.

I must say that I am VERY impressed with the entire one piece fuselage assembly. The resin canopy section snapped into place on my sample and I may not glue it in place to show off the interior. The cockpit itself is nicely rendered and from the info I have accurately spartan. The seat has nicely molded in seat belts. A few wires and such will make the office a gem.

The landing is also VERY impressive! The main gear( which is very petite and finely detailed ) has a brass wire is molded into them for strength.

Just waiting for my Squadron Aircraft of The French Air Force in Action book to start on this one.

I'd rate it a 4 1/2 out of 5 only because of the high price. Hopefully I'll have this one built before I have grandchildren and I'll post some more photos!!

AJP | Caudron Renault CR 714 C1

Reviewed by Dan LoRusso

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