Classic Airframes new 1/48 scale
Vampire Export Versions

by Phil Hale
 

  

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Export Vampire kits 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.

There are several types of Vampires and there are that many or more of the exported Vampires.  I was asked to build one of the Swiss versions with the pointed up-turned nose. 

I think it really gives the airplane a more streamlined look and I love the Fluorescent orange/red and silver color scheme. 

The kit contains a new resin nose to build the Swiss versions.  This will require some simple surgery on the modeler’s part.  I suggest that you obtain some good plans to consult before making you cuts. 

I had the Warpaint Series No. 27 on the Vampire and while it is an excellent source, it does not have plans for this particular version of the Vampire.  I had an early release of the kit without the instructions and therefore had to guess at the location of the cut.  I made my cut a little too far aft and had to fill more than necessary.  I cut along the panel line in front of the windscreen and it really should be a little forward of this line.   

Another area that may require extra work is the resin replacement nose.  I had to carve out some of the resin in the new nose piece in order to make the wheel well/cannon port resin piece fit.  It was not hard but I would suggest test fitting this area to make sure of a good fit. 

Also, Classic Airframes has provided new and improved intake pieces.  They will require a little filler to blend into the wing. 

Overall, Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Foreign Vampire offering is a nice and well detailed kit.  It looks good out of the box but with all of the aftermarket, it still leaves room for all the super detailers to have some fun.  Go buy one and do something different.

Thanks to Classic Airframes for the sample

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2005 by Phil Hale
Page Created 03 May, 2005
Last Updated 03 May, 2005

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