Airfix D.H. Vampire FB9 1/48
Having bought and soon after trashed the first edition of this kit back in 2021, i was somewhat reluctant to buy the reboxing. The Vampire is such an iconic aircraft and Airfix really did a somewhat uninspired job. There is a solid number of parts and details but the kit suffers from bad fit. The fuselage halves are somewhat warped which results in a nasty "scar" beneath the cockpit.
It reminds me of the 1/48th Sabre kit. Not bad, but so much more should have been. Still, i am glad i have a Vampire now. Now hopefully Airfix produce a Vampire Trainer in 48th scale soon.
I built the 502 Squadron from 1955 (Belfast). AK interactive acrylics and a grey filter, an oil wash and Eduard seatbelts.
Hope you enjoy the pictures!
The result is really nice, Felix @fxrob
I really like the fading on the camouflage colors.
Hi John @johnb
Thanks a lot, i really overdo it sometimes with the preshading mottling 🙂
Pilot Replicas has done an excellent Vampire T.11
I'm not sure what the problems in assembly you mention were, because I had no problems I could remember. I even checked my review and there were none noted.
https://modelingmadness.com/review/korean/cleaver/gb/raf/tcv3.htm
I do remember your build, Tom @tcinla! It was one of the first reviews. Maybe it's just my nagging middleaged nature 🙂 I mean, it WAS fun to build. But it should have been as inspiring as the 48th Blenheim or the new Sea King - impeccable in every aspect, in other words. Your review mentions the gaps regarding the fuselages and i am afraid they continue to persist.
Beauty. I need a Vampire
Well done, Felix.
Thank you Gary @gwskat!
Great job, Felix. I like the mottling effect on the greys and greens. What techniques did you use?
Dear Aldo @aldog, i did a lot of preshading in the form of mottling with white and some yellow and light brown hues. I have a photo here, that shows the first few layers.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Thanks @fxrob. Have to try that. Cheers.
Well done, Felix!
Excellent result!
Thanks Spiros @fiveten!
Nicely done Felix @fxrob - she looks great 🧛♀️
Dear Scott @scottiya, much appreciated! Thank you!
Nice work! I had to do some trimming to get the forward fuselage to close cleanly around the interior parts too.
Thank you John @j-healy! Yes, i encountered the same issues. Somewhat disappointing.
Nicely done - a lovely Vampire!