1/72 Caudron C.690M Rafale

**rockpaperscissor** · #1 02-20-2010, 01:24 PM

Here we have de Kampfflieger's model of the Caudron C.690M "Rafale" (roughly translates to Cyclone in english). This single seat advanced fighter trainer was designed in the later 1930's, and was similar in appearance to some racing airplanes of the period. Despite early indifference, the French Air Force did finally order some of the M-version airframes, but only 15 were built and delivered before the outbreak of the war.

This particular kit is a model of the #8 aircraft, as depicted in an illustration available on the Wings Palette site. The Rafale was a small airplane - in 1/72 scale the wingspan is just shy of 4.25 inches. The fuselage is built up of 6 butt joined segments. Per the assembly diagram, the wings are meant to be attached to the fuselage by a couple of rectangular tabs, but I thought I'd try a different method. I glued 1mm card that matched the airfoil outline onto the fuselage sides, and used these as combination former/gluing surfaces for the wings (photo #1). The landing gear on this airplane was fixed, and enclosed in streamlined spats. Building them was the most challenging part of the model, everything else was very straightforward and trouble free, as I've come to expect with Roman's models. Fit and finish were, as always, magnifique! :D

Extra detailing includes a scratchbuilt sight forward of the cockpit, a pitot tube on the port wing, leading edge slats, and prop disc of PETE plastic. I coated the opaque canopy with a few coats of clear acrylic gloss varnish to give it a more glasslike appearance.

I displayed the finshed model "in flight" on a paper base equipped with an elevating arm. I textured it in a golden oak finish.

It's not so bright today, so the pics are grainy. I finally have access to a better camera, but still haven't learned to use it. Maybe next time.

**Don Boose** · #2 02-20-2010, 02:38 PM

This is a real beauty, Don. Superb work on the spats. It's a real little gem.

(The other) Don

**Paperwarrior** · #3 02-20-2010, 03:45 PM

That is a great model, Don.

**Papercut** · #4 02-20-2010, 04:18 PM

[B]I really like this model. Great job. Rick:D

**cgutzmer** · #5 02-20-2010, 08:11 PM

looks great! let me know when you get some non grainy pics

can I use them on the sales page?

Chris

**Yu Gyokubun** · #6 02-20-2010, 08:42 PM

Between the war airplanes are one of my favorite subjects.
Your neat build adds flavor to the airplane with the golden age of aviation

**Jan Kytop** · #7 02-21-2010, 02:15 AM

Beautiful model!

**René** · #8 02-21-2010, 03:38 AM

hallo Don
nice build ! looks very clean.

**gomidefilho** · #9 02-21-2010, 05:59 AM

Very beautiful build as always... Impressive work, thank's for share...

**rockpaperscissor** · #10 02-21-2010, 08:00 AM

Many thanks for the kudos fellas! This was a fun build, and I recommend the model. For a small model, it had a lot of fuselage formers. The spats were easier to form than those on the Miles M.20 by der Kampfflieger. Chris, I'll try to take some pics with my daughter's old camera soon. She was able to take amazing, clear closeup pictures with it. Was there a particular view(s) of the 7 in the thread that you'd be most interested in?