Airfix

1/72 English Electric Canberra B(I).8

Kit Number: A05038

Reviewed by  Paul Bradley, IPMS# 35554

MSRP: $24.95 Website: www.airfix.com and www.airfix-usa.com Following hot on the heels of the recent 1/48 kits from Airfix (see my review elsewhere on this website), this is one of two brand-new 1/72 Canberras. The kit comes in one of Airfix's new-style packaging, with a very nice, modern look and a proper top-opening box. The artwork is computer generated but is well rendered, and the large image has big 'shelf appeal.' The parts are cleanly moulded in light grey plastic, with a separately bagged clear sprue. No flash or mould defects are present, and ejector pin marks are largely confined to areas invisible when the model is complete. The breakdown of the parts is very similar to the 1/48 kits; no surprise there, but this does mean that the faults of the larger kit are still present - the oddly-lined rudder that will need attention, the finicky fit of the cockpit insert, a couple of shape issues. Taken as a whole, the kit compares well to various plans and photos, but there are a couple of issues. The shape of the elevator tips is a little off, but some quick work with a decent photo and a sanding stick will correct that. The fin fillet is a little deep; once again, reference to photos and access to a sanding stick will soon put this to rights. See my corrections in the accompanying photos.

As with the 1/48 kits, Airfix have cleverly designed the nose so that all variants can be accommodated by the same basic molds. There's an insert for the cockpit area that fits very nicely, and the nose section is molded in clear so that the various windows can be easily masked for painting. The canopy is in two parts. This is to accommodate the PR.9 version that Airfix has also released. For this version, the canopy is glued shut, as crew access was through a door in the side of the nose. Do not be tempted to pose your B(I).8 canopy open - it did not happen! The levels of detail are adequate and compare favourably to Hasegawa; perhaps even better in the cockpit. Panel lines are perhaps a trifle heavy, but that migh tbe a matter of preference; they certainly aren't Matchbox-like trenches. Assembly is very straightforward, but don't forget to add lots of noseweight to this one. When you think you have enough, add a bit more. Then add a bit more, just to be on the safe side. That might then be enough… The decal options are: B(I).8 XM277 of 16 Sqn, RAF, Laarbruch, Germany, 1972. Camo is Dark Green/ Dark Sea Grey over Aluminium. B(I).12 NZ6106, 14 Sqn R New Zealand AF, Ohakea, New Zealand, 1968. Camo is Dark Green/ Dark Sea Grey over Aluminium. B(I).12 453, 12 Sqn South African Air Force, Waterkloof, South Africa, 1969-75. This version is overall Aluminium. Later, these a/c were camouflaged with overall PRU Blue, with the same basic markings. These options are illustrated with full-colour painting and decal placement diagrams. Those of you who have the 1/48 kit of this aircraft will recognise these options, as they are exactly the same. This is a shame; one might imagine that 16 Squadron were the only RAF squadron to operate the 8, and the SAAF machine is the same option included in the Frog kit 40 years ago. Still, I suppose the aftermarket guys will soon give us other options! Applying the decals soon showed up another issue. Having waxed lyrical in recent times about the much improved quality of Airfix decals, I'm afraid to say that the ones included in the Canberra are not up to par - they are off register, with a thin white border outlining one side of each decal. This is terrribly disappointing given the recent tie-up with Cartograf - I don't think these are Cartograf decals as they are never this bad. Once again, Airfix seem to want to take the cheap way out, and are spoiling their product for the want of a few pennies. Why not charge us a little extra for useable decals - we'd much rather that than be forced to buy an aftermarket sheet for $10 or more….. Nevertheless, once complete (with the minor outline issues corrected), the model is a good replica of the Canberra and is a simple build. I can recommend it to anyone. My thanks to the good folks at Airfix/Hornby for the review sample. Airfix products are available from their website, or from all good hobby retailers.