RCN Warrior: 1/48th Grand Phoenix FireFly Mk.1
Although this 1/48th Grand Phoenix FireFly Mk.1 kit is not an easy build (as it is a multi-media, short-run production) it builds up into a great looking aircraft to display. Released in 2001 it was the first non-vacuform model kit of the Firefly.
I deviated from the assembly instructions after I calculated that I could place the cockpits and radiator into the assembled fuselage halves. This would allow me to get a better join on the fuselage halves as well as not have to deal with all the internals at once (especially with no locator pins).
The 1/48th Grand Phoenix FireFly Mk.1 kit was also reboxed by AZ Models in 2007. Special Hobby produced their Firefly series starting in 2013. Then Trumpeter introduced their more mainstream kit (without resin or much PE) in 2018. I can't compare these kits as I have only built this one however I would only recommend the Grand Phoenix kit to experienced model builders due to its multi-media construction. It does build up into an excellent reproduction but you are going to have to work a bit to get there. The more recent Trumpeter kit should be the easiest build and appears to be nicely detailed, so next time around maybe that route.
You can see more in-depth detail of this build with additional photos at: https://www.flypastrush.com/post/rcn-warrior-1-48th-grand-phoenix-firefly-mk-1
Thanks for looking & good luck on your next build.
Nice build David (@flypastrush). Quite an extensive collection of built models and I like how you've taken the time to create weblogs and videos documenting your work.
Thanks Carl, When I started the website to post my built kits, I figured it would take me a couple of years to get everything assembled in brief detail however, like many projects, the scope expanded a bit and here I am in year 4 almost finished. I'll chalk that up to Mission Creep and a pace that slowed after a couple of years - Cheers
Very nice
Thanks George
David...your completed Firefly model looks like a serious "labor of love." Wonderful build & finish.
Thanks for the comments Bob, I thought that Firefly kit was going to fight me more than it did during the build and the details on it were so nice, I spent a bit of extra time trying to get them right. (although I didn't jump All-In and decide to add a wing-fold or anything crazy extra 😉
Despite a not so easy kit, you turned it into a wonderful Firefly @flypastrush
Well done.
Yes John, sometimes it all comes together for you on a build. The kit does have wonderful detail however it does take time and patience to make it work. - Thanks for the comments
Having built that product of the Difficult Kits Division myself, I know how much effort went into getting such a nice result as you have done here. I really like this.
The Trumpeter Firefly is another product of the "D Team." Buyer beware.
Ohhh, good to know on that 1/48th Trumpeter Firefly effort - Appreciate the tip-off Tom. I picked up that Grand Phoenix FireFly kit at a show off of another model maker who decided that was WAY beyond what he wanted to get into. I ordered third-party decals for that build... then forgot I had them, so I have a good excuse to pick up another of those kits, now that I know what I am in for and that it isn't so bad 🙂 - Cheers
Excellent result on a most challenging kit!
Thanks for the kind comments Spiros, I most likely did a nice easy kit build after that effort! 🙂
Very nice Firefly! Well done.