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John Healy
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1/48 E.E. Canberra B.2

January 26, 2017 · in Aviation · · 18 · 3.1K

This is the recently reissued kit finished as a 1970s era Rhodesian example. It's a simple, straightforward kit to build. As it is a bit light in details, I installed an Eduard PE instrument panel and cockpit set, along with a True Details resin MB Mk.2 ejection seat in the pilot's position. I used the kit seats for the navigators and bomb aimers stations because they're not very visible. I also used a SAC metal landing gear set to support the almost 4 ounces of steel and lead weights I crammed into every available space forward of the c/g. Airfix advised 100 grams (3.5 oz). I painted it with a base coat of overall RAF dark earth straight from a Tamiya spray bomb, followed with the disruptive pattern of Mr. Color RAF dark green applied with my airbrush. Markings came from a Model Alliance sheet and some stencils from the kit sheet. I wasn't up to scratch building Rhodesian cluster bombs and their carriers , so I used the kit supplied bombs. I was so concerned about this one being a tail sitter that I even glued split shot into the two forward bombs! Canberras in Southern Africa are fascinating subjects. This one can now take its place next to my SAAF 1/72 B(I)Mk.12.

Reader reactions:
8  Awesome

14 additional images. Click to enlarge.


18 responses

  1. John, beautiful Canberra! I saw it was back, and I was pleased.
    And nice to see Rhodesian markings, I didn't know there were any out there, these days.
    The other day I was thinking a Hunter would look real different in those. I have the old sheet that came in a magazine years ago, with an article about their air arm. I may come up with them, someday.

    • Thanks Bernard. Build that Hunter! I also have a Cutting Edge sheet with decals for RRAF Hunter in 1/48. The red/white/ blue roundel with a spear, 1965ish.

  2. Came out really nice, John...a not-often-seen paint scheme as well. When I built mine, I filled the forward section with #8 bird-shot (lead pellets), and worried about the same thing.

  3. 🙂 ... Greetings ... 🙂 :
    Very nice and interesting build John, the fact that it has Rhodesian markings make it more interesting. Nicely done and photographed.

  4. Great build and a nice finish! Always nice to see alternative schemes.

  5. Excellent build! great cockpit detail.

  6. Rodezian colors ruls i LIKE !

  7. I'm not really an aircraft fan, but the Canberra, along with the Meteor, is definitely one of my favourites. I really like the look of this one, the livery really suits the outline of the Canberra.

    • Thanks George. It had such graceful, simple lines, beautiful plane. And long lived, not only did they last in RAF service til 2007, two are still used by NASA. If that wasn't enough, 6 American Canberras (B-57s) are still in storage in Arizona.

      • John, we have 2 RB-57As in the Glenn L. Martin Air Museum. Both have the original Canberra fishbowl canopy. One is in fair shape, the other needs some work. It came out of Aberdeen, where the Army had used it as a gunfire target.

  8. Very nice, I love alternate schemes

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