Aires

1/72 Rolls Royce RD.45 Nene Engine For various applications.

Stock Number: 7164

Reviewed By  Charles Landrum, IPMS# 26328

MSRP: $16.95 Review copy provided by Aires Models. The Nene centrifugal engine was a breakthrough in jet engine technology which powered the 1st generation jets of many nations. Thanks to the Anglo-Soviet trade agreement of 1946, by the Korean War, Nene engines (and their license built copies) powered the jet aircraft on both sides of the iron curtain including the F9F Panther, F-86 Sabre, Mig-15, the Il-28 Beagle, the Meteor, the Vampire and the Sea Hawk to name a few. For those who like to open up their 1/72 aircraft models for detail, Aires now offers a scaled down version of its multi-media Rolls Royce Nene. Although the packaging doesn't say that the engine is specific to any particular aircraft, Aires lists it as an accessory for Soviet aircraft. By my eye is looks interchangeable with the western version. The engine has a multitude of parts, 40 by my count. The resin is crisp and free of flash and the PE fret is crisply double-relief etched. I could find no flaws in the castings. The level of detail is very impressive, comparable to the 1/48 scale castings. Notable are the thermal jacket details on the exhaust pipe and the realism of the accessory section. The instructions are clear with regards to assembly, but do not offer any color call-outs. With that said there are plenty of reference photos to be found to guide painting. Casting the engine in so many parts may complicate assembly, but it leads to a superb level of detail. Despite the number of parts, the build-up looks pretty straight forward. I would exercise care in the removing the smaller parts from the pour block and handling the fine PE parts. This engine is a great value for the price and will go a long way to enhancing the realism of your model. Highly recommended.

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