Avis BX72058 - 1:72 M-23b Messerschmitt

Plastic model kit of the Messerschmitt M.23b sport and touring aircraft in 1:72 scale

Avis BX72058 recreates the Messerschmitt M.23b — a two-seat sport and touring aircraft from the turn of the 1920s and 1930s, designed by Willy Messerschmitt at Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW). The model is made from new tooling and represents the M.23b version powered by a Cirrus engine.

The M.23 was a light low-wing monoplane intended for private aviation, racing and record attempts. It was designed so that different engines could be fitted and it could compete in events organised by those engine makers. The model comes as a short-run kit.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts (new tooling)
• Decal sheet for 2 marking options
• Assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: BX72058
• Manufacturer: Avis
• Assembled length: approx. 9 cm; wingspan: approx. 16 cm
• Difficulty: intermediate (short-run kit)

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a short-run kit, it requires careful clean-up of the parts, dry-fitting and occasional minor adjustments. For painting, colours typical of the sport aircraft of the era work well — the instructions suggest colours for both marking options. Apply decals over a gloss coat and finish the model in satin.

Recommended tools:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – Messerschmitt M.23b:

The Messerschmitt M.23 is a two-seat sport and touring aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt at BFW in the 1920s. It was a light low-wing monoplane of construction typical of the era, created with private aviation, racing and long-distance flights in mind.

The M.23 had success in air races, including the international Challenge touring-aircraft competitions. The M.23b version was powered by a Cirrus engine. The model represents the “Bismarck” aircraft, owned by Alexander von Bismarck, in the markings of the Challenge events of 1928 and 1929.

Specifications of the original (Messerschmitt M.23b):

• Type: two-seat sport and touring aircraft (low-wing monoplane)
• Designer: Willy Messerschmitt (BFW)
• Powerplant (M.23b version): Cirrus engine
• Crew / seats: 2
• Period: turn of the 1920s and 1930s
• Use: sport aviation, racing, touring flights

About the manufacturer – Avis:

Avis is a brand offering short-run plastic model kits, focused on unusual and rarely seen aviation subjects. Short-run kits give access to subjects overlooked by the large manufacturers, but because of the production technology they call for more experience — careful clean-up of parts, dry-fitting and occasional minor adjustments. They are aimed at modellers who value original subjects.