Classic Airframes' new 1/48 scale
De Havilland Vampire FB.5

by Kevin Martin
 

  


Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Vampire FB Mk. 5  may be ordered online from Squadron

For a detailed examination of the kit contents, see Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman's in-box review here on HyperScale.

Here is Classic Airframes' brand new 1/48 scale Vampire FB.5.

Construction started last Thursday and finished it Sunday morning. I put about 24 hours build time into the model.

The Vampire went together quite well considering it is not a "shake and bake" Tamiya. I paid very close attention to cleaning up all the parts and mating surfaces prior to assembly.

I used cut-out intrument decals from the spares box for the resin dash panel. Floquil Railroad Weathered Black was used for the interior. A light drybrushing brings it to life.

I replaced the kit supplied exhaust pipe with aluminium tubing found laying on the bench. Looks much more the business then a plastic one.

One thing that should be noted by the modeler is the apparently warped wings when removed from the sprues. Not to worry. When the halves are glued up they take on the proper shape.

Attaching the completed wing assemblies to the separate fuselage halves will make the built a little easier too.

I used Xtracolor enamels of PRU Blue and RAF Dark Green for this one off experimental scheme.

The decals from the kit were used and applied without any problems.

The modeler must however pre-plan before wetting the decals for application as some cutting is required to accomodate gear doors in their finished state.

Classic Airframes' new 1/48 scale Vampire FB.5 will be a very rewarding experience for the moderately skilled modeler looking to add this unique aircraft to the collection.
 

Thanks to Classic Airframes for the sample.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images: 

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2005 by Kevin Martin
Page Created 07 February, 2005
Last Updated 07 February, 2005

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