Stinson Reliant SR9 Airplane

As the other reviewer has noted, this is a re-release of an old kit and has some minor molding issues. There is nothing that can't be corrected with a little work, though, and it makes up into a very nice model. Like the other AMT re-releases it is something of a nostalgia trip for an older modeler like me (I am pushing 70). For those interested in a military configuration, we have an airworthy AT-19 Reliant at the Texas Air Museum, Caprock branch, near Slaton Texas. This is a former Fleet Air Arm aircraft named London Nights that saw service in the West Indies. It is painted in the markings it wore as a communications aircraft at Piarco, Trinidad. Good pictures at http://www.thetexasairmuseum.org/aircraft/flyingaircraft/AT-19/

This is a very simple kit to build but produce a good result. All the parts fit together well, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The build is smooth, and enjoyable.

I remember seeing the reliant in person in the eighties at Danbury Airport where I was getting my ticket. In person the plane was very impressive; it was restored beautifully. Now I have the kit of it. I suspect this kit was issued by someone before AMT issued it (I don't remember seeing any planes with AMT as a lit. I suspect it was Pactra kit (they did some civilian aircraft in the fifties that I had built). Anyway it really is not a bad kit. Some old style flash and old waxy plastic formula used, and lousy fit for the clear parts jogged the memory, But it went together pretty well; light sanding and no putty needed; Interior and engine detail were pretty good for the time and the price. It was difficult to paint, though; paint had a hard time covering on this type of plastic, especially the gold accent paint I used to duplicate the cover aircraft. It is an interesting aircraft and I would guess luxury level in its pre-war time, and makes a nice companion for the Beech Staggerwing I had built before. I couldn't find any suitable photos of a military air craft, so I kept it civilian Worth the price? Yep..