AGO C.IV

Czech Master Resin, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

CMR's 1/72 scale AGO C.IV is available online from Squadron.com

The AGO Flugzeugwerke of Johannisthal had a good reputation for producing powerful and sturdy fighting aircraft.

So it must have come as a bit of a shock when the C.IV made its appearance. The machine was unconventional in that it had an unusual tapered wing. To provide a better field of fire for the rear gunner, it also had one of its inner wing struts omitted.

The performance of the C.IV was promising enough, so much so that Idflieg agreed to an initial order of 24 aircraft. Type testing found the wing cellule to be wanting and after a couple of attempts at strengthening this area, the design was eventually approved.

After a number of in flight fatalities, modifications were made that saw ailerons on both sets of wings. A rounded tail fin was also added and some even had additional bracing between the outer wing struts.

Pilot negativity and continuing problems with the flight controls inevitably led Idflieg to cancel production of the C.IV in September 1917.

CMR originally released this kit in 1993 and it was a very good kit back then.

A nice piece of timing saw Peter Grosz’s 2-part article on the type start later that year. It was in “Windsock International”, where Ian Stair contributed a set of general arrangement drawings.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The kit matches up very well to these with the only major difference being the forward fuselage. Compared to the aforementioned plans, the kit is shallower in this area with a less dramatically curved underbelly. Fortunately period photos suggest that CMR’s interpretation is closer to the original aircraft. A comparison with published measurements in Gray and Thetford’s “German Aircraft of the First World War”, indicate that Ian’s side profiles are short in length. His drawing of the wingspan however scales out perfectly.

When cleaning up the parts, a couple of air bubbles decided to show themselves. These were apparent on the leading edge of the top wing but a smear of putty easily brought them into submission.

Speaking of which, the flying surfaces are excellent with very subtle rib detail. Trailing edges are sharp and there is no sign of warping. The lower wing cutout differs from the Stair interpretation but once again photos favour the resin parts. As for the rear upper wing cutout, this could be slightly more rounded.

Thoughtfully both the main planes are supplied in one piece so care needs to be exercised so as not to separate the upper parts.

A basic interior is provided for the modeler to enhance as they see fit. A dry run is needed to ensure a snug fit for all the parts but nothing here is beyond the modeler.

A choice of outer struts is supplied so the builder can choose between the conventional early types or the later “N” shaped supports. Thankfully CMR also provide an interesting decal option for this latter variant.

The kit parts are beautifully cast and number over 40 in total. Detail is crisp and sharp and the cleanup of the various items should not pose too much of a problem. The only blemish was a knob on the starboard fuselage half but this is easily sanded off.

Struts are usually the Achilles heel of a resin kit. The ones offered in this kit are quite strong, being provided in CMR's hard black resin material, and can be used as is. For the faint hearted, alternatives can be scratch built using the kit parts as templates.

Three marking options are catered for which are printed on a single decal sheet. The registration of all colours was perfect and the carrier film is commendably thin. Two German owners are represented as subjects with the third being a captured example by No. 32 Squadron in July 1917.

It is doubtful that main stream manufacturers will ever tackle an aircraft such as the Ago C.IV. Thankfully CMR has come to the rescue by re releasing this updated classic from their ever expanding catalogue.

While the kit may provide a challenge for those not used to the medium involved, the end result will surely be worth it.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to CMR for the review sample

CMR Models are available online from Hannants in the UK, Squadron in the USA
NKR Models in Australia and quality specialist model retailers worldwide.