1/72 Sword Models Fairey Gannet AEW.3

June 2, 2023 · in Aviation · · 18 · 380

I built this one for a friend of mine, whose Dad actually built them as an aircraft engineer. I didn't expect much from it, but it's actually a really good little kit from . The fit of the major parts is close to flawless. Really nice surface detail, and some high quality resin and photo-etch included, all for £16 !. There's a resin centre section with two seats, which I'm assuming was for the navigator and radio operator (?), but I decided to leave it out because it wouldn't have been at all visible once the fuselage was closed.

I've not seen the genuine article, but it must have been a big beast - that's a Spit in the same scale.

A really enjoyable build, and might just convince me to get the upcoming Airfix version in quarter-scale.

Finished from the box in MRP extra-dark sea grey and sky, with minimal weathering in oils and Mig powder.

Reader reactions:
6  Awesome

7 additional images. Click to enlarge.


18 responses

  1. Looks great! The paint / weathering looks very realistic .

  2. Very nice looking Gannet, it’s a bit of a beast but I like the way it looks.

  3. Fantastic build, Robert!

  4. Great looking build of one of the weirdest looking aircraft.
    Nice finish and weathering.
    So mean to place this brute next to the elegant spitfire. 😉

    • Thank you, George. I suppose that was a bit underhanded, actually 😬

    • Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This aircraft did what the fighter couldn’t...predict the future, put the fighter in the right place, save lives. Bloody shame they were not still about during the Falklands conflict. Call it a “thinking man’s Spitfire”...only a mother could love it but love is unconditional ❤️😎😆

  5. I like it! I have the Trumpeter version of this in the same scale - I also didn't realize it was as big as it is! It'll definitely take up some shelf space...

  6. Superb result, Robert @rob-cookson
    The painting and weathering looks great.
    I was not aware that it was so much bigger than a Spitfire.

  7. Nicely done, Robert!

  8. I really like the paintwork!

  9. Nice one matey. It is a lot of kit isn’t it? For the price, and a really nice subject from the days when the Fleet Air Arm seemed to matter😢.

    I have this one, the other sword offering of its pre decessor, the Skyraider AEW, and the recipient of her radars, the Shackleton AEW...thought it would make a nice story...when I get round to building them😬😆

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