AIRFIX
A
irfix’s recently released Hawker Typhoon was warmly received and
is now available with different markings options including a fero-
cious shark mouth which suits the airframe perfectly.
In the box you’ll fi nd the same beautifully moulded parts exhibiting
fi nely incised panel lines, an exceptionally detailed cockpit and very
impressive cannon bays -–– a fi rst for the type in this scale when fi rst released.
The tubular framework of the cockpit interior is moulded neatly onto the fuselage
halves and the fl oor of the cockpit comprises the detailed undercarriage bays,
as well as rudder pedals and control column that affi x to them, making for a very
complete interior (all of which can be seen as the canopy is supplied in two parts
allowing you to pose it opened up). Throw into the mix some underwing armament
in the shape of rockets and bombs as well as a D-Day invasion striped option and
you have a very complete package.Markings for two aircraft are included:
● Hawker Typhoon IB, No.245 squadron, 2nd Tactical Air Force, Germany and
RAF Warmwell, Dorset, England, June-August 1945
● Hawker Typhoon IB, fl own by Wing Commander Charles Green, No.121 Wing,
Royal Air Fore Holmsley South, Hampshire, England and B.5 Le Fresne-Camily,
Lower Normandy, France, June 1944http://www.airfi x.com
HAWKER TYPHOON MK.1B
Airfi x/Materials: IM/Kit No. A02041A/Availability: All Good Model Shops/Price: £9.
1:
VERDICT
It is fantastic to see this wonderful little kit again with differing markings. This is no quick build despite how it looks and the ‘Level 1’ skill setting on the box, as
it is fi nely detailed and care will be needed to ensure nothing gets damaged while removing some of the smaller parts from the runners. Take your time with this
and you’ll have a stunning Typhoon to add to your collection. Highly recommended. (Mike Williams)
Issue 170 - http://www.modelairplaneinternational.com 15REVELL
I
recently took possession of the 2019 re-release of the Revell 1:
Bell X-1. This is an original 1988 release with the addition of a few
changed parts. I have always had the attitude of “don’t fi x what is
not broken” and I think that this is the case in terms of this kit. My
fi rst impression of the kit was not a great one as I had discovered
the feature of raised panel lines. But on further inspection these ap-
peared to be crisp and straight, so that wouldn’t really make the build
any less appealing to the likes of a beginner or experienced modeller.
Construction starts with a really well detailed, comprehensive cock-
pit assembly, which unfortunate won’t be overly visible due to being
an all-black fl ight compartment and thick canopy framing. However, it
is nice to see this level of detail. A pilot fi gure is included in this kit and
I am more than happy with the quality of the pilot’s moulding. Clear
representation of breathing apparatus and fl ight uniform are present.
Completion of this kit would appear to be a quick affair, as once you
have the fuselage buttoned up and the wings installed you only havelanding gear to fi t and the aircraft is complete. The overall quality of
the plastic appears to be nice and I am yet to see any hits of fl ash on
this kit. The clear sprue took me by surprise as I fi nd kits of this age
tend to have thick canopy parts that obstruct any visibility, this is not
the case in this kit, the plastic is thick but clear which is always a good
sign. Marking options in this kit are
very limited, only being able to
have the Orange scheme, but you
do get a couple of different mark-
ings. Markings options:● Bell X-1 Supersonic
Research Aircraft Scheme on
Yeager’s October 14, 1947 fl ight.
● Interim Air Force Scheme.BELL X-
Airfi x/
Materials: IM/
Kit No. RV3888/
Availability: All
Good Model
Shops/Price:
£24.1:
VERDICT
I am yet to see if this kit has stood the test of time, but with the lack of newer versions of this kit being produced, I get the impression that Revell have this specifi c
aircraft in this scale locked down. Yes, there are raised panel lines, but that is the only giveaway of this kits age. The overall quality of the plastic moulding, details
and decals are more than good enough for you to be able to reproduce a 1:32 scale model of this evolutionary iconic aircraft. (Ivan Jensen Taylor)