de Havilland Vampire F.Mk.1

Czech Master Resin, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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The Vampire, originally to be named Spidercrab, was Britain’s second production jet fighter. It came into service just a little too late to see action in WW2.

It was designed to exploit the Goblin jet engine that for its time was more powerful than most other early jets, enabling a single engine fighter to be considered when most designs required two engines. The twin-boom layout was adopted because this did not require a long jet-pipe that would have led to a loss of thrust. The small fuselage was constructed of wood in a similar manner to de Havilland’s Mosquito, but the remaining airframe was of conventional metal construction.

Flying only six months after Gloster’s Meteor in September 1943, the Vampire was a private venture project whereas the Meteor was already specified for production.  Two notable firsts attributed to the early Vampire were being the first RAF aircraft to exceed 500 mph in level flight, and the first jet to land on an aircraft carrier. It would go on to be developed into a very successful family of fighter-bombers, navalised versions, and two-seat all-weather fighters and trainers. Widely exported, the Vampire was still in service with several airforces in the 1960’s, and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) was still using them on operations until 1979.

As far as I’m aware in 1/72 there have previously been the old Frog kit and far superior Heller/Airfix issue, both FB.5’s (although Heller also offered a French Mistral). Revell has also boxed the Heller kit, and Marivox offered it with conversion parts to make and F.Mk 1. CMR has previously offered the prototype Spidercrab, but this is the first of an all-new series of single-engine Vampires in “Hi-Tech” multi-media format.  As such it is a very welcome kit.

The kit comes packaged in CMR’s now standard sturdy top opening box. The parts and decals are in heat sealed plastic bags, which in turn are sealed in a further bag with the instructions and photo-walkaround. The straightforward instructions consist of double-sided A4 pages (see here). The parts map and constructional illustrations are very clear and easy to follow. More double-sided pages give comprehensive painting and markings plans. Colour notes and other written instructions are in English. Five more double-sided pages provide an excellent photo walkaround focused on various detail aspects of the aircraft.

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The kit’s resin parts are in CMR’s usual cream resin, and very nicely moulded with minimal presence of pinholes. A little flash is evident in a couple of places, but this can be removed easily and in seconds.

The undercarriage is in a brown resin that provides greater strength than the cream resin for fine weight-bearing parts.

The kit is awash with detail. Considerable attention to detail has been paid to the cockpit, wheel wells and flap bays. Detail levels are further enhanced by the pre-coloured Eduard PE set provided.

The kit has both the non-pressurised and pressurised versions of canopy. Two copies of each provide for insurance or practice when cutting out. They come with an Eduard pre-cut mask which simply serves to make life easy when it comes to painting.

Decals are typical of CMR, being well registered and suggest good opacity. Based on past experience they should be very good to use; but like most Czech decals they will be quite thin and need to be floated into position, as they tend to adhere extremely well once there is no fluid under them.

Markings for six RAF schemes are included.

This is a superbly executed kit. Despite its tiny details and twin-boom layout it should go together in a straightforward manner. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Czech Master Resin for this review sample.

CMR Models are available online from Hannants in the UK,
Red Roo Models in Australia and quality specialist model retailers worldwide.

Text Copyright © 2010 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 11 January, 2010
Last updated 11 January, 2010

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