Infinity 1/32 DeHavilland Vampire Mk 9

England was an early producer of jet aircraft behind Germany. The Meteor was their first jet in service in WW II. The Vampire was the next jet to follow in service. The mock-up was was ok'd in 1942 with first prototype flights in 1944. Changes were necessary and the Vampire F1 missed out on being used in WW II. But, the RAF started to receive the Mk 1 in 1946

The Vampire Mk3 prototype first flew in 1946. Again modifications were necessary to the horizontal tailplane and vertical tail profiles. The RAF began receiving the Mk 3 in 1948

The FB Mk 9 was as tropical modification with the addition of air conditioning to allow better pilot comfort in hot/ humid climates Deliveries began in 1952

The Infinity Vampire kits are the Mk3 and the Mk5. I have built the Hobbycraft and Classic Airframes 1/48 kits. Hobbycraft's was poorly done in my opinion. Very poor shape issues. Classic Airfames was much better. CA Atkins -if I remember correctly- did some vacuform corrections also to help. The Infinity kit is better than the previously mentioned kits, but as has been said in the past, SOME MODELING SKILLS REQUIRED.

The kit is generally good in outline with some work needed to the front of the nose. You really need to become familiar with the instructions before “heading into the jungle” of this build. Fit and refit necessary.

Positions of where parts need to be placed must be done before glue is applied.

I found the cockpit to be relatively complete
-caution needed when finalizing placement of the 1)booms,2)intakes/exhaust and 3)wheel well pieces and landing gear

You may think I'm trying scare you off the kit. Far from it. I thoroughly enjoyed building this kit

I built this kit as the Mk 9 version. The only thing that was needed to get to this was the addition of the AC unit ahead of the starboard intake. I used the Warpaint No.27 Vampire to help me capture the shape of this.

The was done as a bird in No. 213 Squadron stationed at RAF Deversoir, Egypt in 1954. Paints were AK Real Colors and Metallics, Tamiya gloss black and Camel yellow( decanted from can),Model Master. The high speed silver overall was white aluminum by AK.

Decals were from the kit, handmade- cut from clear decal sheet after spraying Camel yellow, modified numbers on booms and under the wings. I used Holloway House Quick Shine as a clear replacement for Future. It is thinner and really lays flat after drying. BUT, BE CAUTIOUS WHEN SPRAYING IT ON. Ask me how I know! It can build up and run easily.

Build it and enjoy (as I did). Ask questions if needed.

11 additional images. Click to enlarge.