Nieuport XXIII

Copper State Models, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Nieuport XXIII was largely the same as the definitive Nieuport 17, differing mainly in the use of a different machine gun synchronizer.

The gun was offset to starboard, the fuel and oil tank arrangement and the center section rigging were changed to suit, and the rear spar packing pieces were also redesigned.

Nieuport XXIIIs were operated by French, Belgian, Russian and British squadrons alongside Nieuport 17s until their replacement by later types.

Adapted from Wikipedia

Copper State Model has now followed up their excellent Nieuport XVII with two variations on the theme - a Nieuport XXI and XXIII. Tonight we'll take a look at the Nieuport XXIII.

Copper State Models' 1/32 scale Nieuport XXIII comprises a modest 134 parts in pale grey plastic, three parts printed onto clear acetate sheet, six photo-etched parts on a single fret and markings for four aircraft.

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The quality of moulding is excellent with no flash and narrow sprue attachment points.

Compared to the plastic parts of the Nieuport XVII, this Nieuport XXIII has one all-new sprue.

Surface textures are restrained. The fabric effect is beautifully done, being subtly stretched on the wings, fuselage and tail surfaces. Stitching is present on both sides of the wing parts too.

Comprehensive detail is supplied in the cockpit using plastic parts. The seat is fully perforated and the structural elements are supported by rigging, which is called out at appropriate steps of the instructions. Additional framework is moulded to the inside of the fuselage, and there are separate parts supplied for the upper fuselage formers and the plywood top cover. The forward cabane struts are securely fitted to the cockpit famework.

The upper wings are single parts for each side with a central section that mounts them. Ailerons are separate parts.

Copper State Models supplies clear film for the windscreen.

The one-piece upper wing halves are cleverly moulded with deep locating slots.

The lower wing is a single full span part.

There are deep, crisp locating holes in the wings for the two pairs of V-shaped interplane struts and the two forward interplane struts. This time around, Copper State does not include photo-etched mounts for the rigging wires.

An updated photo-etched fret supplies seat harness straps and a few other detail parts.

The Le Rhone 110hp engine is well detailed and fairly simply broken down. You'll just need to add some 0.1mm wire from the crankcase to the side of each cylinder.

The instructions are presented very much in the style of their previous efforts - clear, concise colour keyed illustrations broken down into steps of assembly and painting.

Colour callouts are made throughout.

Markings

Markings are supplied for four machines. All four are finished in silver dope.

The decals are well printed, vivid, in register, and feature nice glossy finish. They have been produced by Cartograf.

A small errata sheet is included for a corrected comet decal.

This is another gem of a kit from Copper State Models.

Detail is excellent, moulding quality is first class, parts breakdown is straightforward, the instructions are a joy and the whole package exudes quality.

This Nieuport XXIII looks pretty straightforward to build. The basic construction appears to be free from complication and the relatively small number of struts have been engineered with robust locating pins and holes. It should be well within the capabilites of any moderately experienced modeller.

Thanks to Copper State Models for the sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2020 by Brett Green
Page Created 11 August, 2020
Last updated 11 August, 2020

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