HS.748 / Andover CC.2 / T.

Mark I. Models, 1/144 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The HS.748 was a British short/medium-range twin-engined airliner designed during the late 1950s. It was originally developed and initially produced by A.V. Roe & Co., then – after its dissolution – by Hawker Siddeley Aviation and later by its successor, British Aerospace.The 748 was a remarkably successful aeroplane and an effective DC-3 replacement in many parts of the world. The first prototype (G-APZV) first flew in June 1960. Initially, the Srs.1 version for 44 passengers was built (24 a/c), then production was switched to the 52-seat Avro 748 Srs.2, followed by the Srs.2A and 2B with further increases in power and maximum weight. A total of 350 HS.748s were built which also included 89 aircraft manufactured by Indian Hindustan Aeronautics and this type continued in production until 1988.

The HS.748 was a low-wing monoplane of an all-metal construction, fitted with a nose-wheel type tricycle undercarriage. The flight crew consisted of two members, while the cabin accommodated passengers or could be adjusted to mixed passenger/freight layout.

Powered by two Dart turboprop engines, it possessed a high level of performance, including short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities and overall ruggedness. In freight configuration the aircraft was capable of hauling payloads in excess of 10,000 lb (4,540 kg).Significant military users included the RAF, the Royal Australian and the Royal Thai Air Forces. Lower numbers of the 748 were delivered to air forces of Belgium, Brazilia, Colombia, Ecuador and India, while the majority of the 748s were flown by various British and overseas airline operators. 

Mark I Models has been specialising in 1/144 scale kits for a while now.

This time, they have simultneously released three boxings of the HS. 748 / Andover.

Tonight I am examining Kit No. MKM144121 - HS.748 / Andover CC.2 / T.2 in Asian and Australian Service.

Mark I's 1/144 scale HS.748 comprises 51 parts in grey plastic, markings for three aircraft; thick cardboard display base.

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The quality of the plastic is good and surface texture is smooth.

This is a limited run kit so you don't get little luxuries such as locating pins and tabs. This means that you will need to take a bit more care and time than usual cleaning up and aligning the plastic parts before committing to glue.

Having said that though, there is very little flash, and sprue attachments are admirably narrow.

The kit is broken down conventionally with left and right fuselage halves and each wing having upper and lower halves.

Engine nacelles are also split into left and right halves. They slip over the leading edge of the wings and the rear form the main laduing gear bays. The nose gear is made up from two sides, a front and top that are inserted into the front of the fuselage.

The instructions advise that you'll need 30 grams of nose weight to prevent this model from being a tail sitter.

A number of different vane and clothesrail antennae are supplied. The instruction diagrams advise the correct avionics configuration for each of the three marking options.

Decals are supplied for an RAF machine based in Aden in 1967, an RAAF HS.748 based at East Sale in Victoria and a Royal Thai Air Force example.

All aircraft are finished in a combination of light grey, aluminium and white with blue or black cheat lines.

Decals are also supplied for windows, windscreen, anti-glare panels and de-icing boots.

The decals are in register and colours look good.

The package is rounded out with a rectangular display base.

It is printed on thick carbdoard and is flat in texture.

Mark I Models' 1/144 scale HS.748 is a good size in this scale and features nice crisp detail.

The inclusion of the cardboard display base is a thoughtful touch too.

This should be a straightforward build and is an interesting crossover subject that will appeal to military and civil modellers.

Thanks to Mark I. Models for the information and images.

Page Created 28 July, 2020
Last updated 29 July, 2020

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