Aerocraft 1/48 scale MB.4 by Brett Green

Aerocraft 1/48 scale
Martin Baker MB.4

by Brett Green

Martin Baker MB.4

Description

Here is my just completed Aerocraft Models Kit No. ACMK4804 - Martin-Baker MB.4 Bubbletop.

Aerocraft Models has released a family of Martin-Baker fighters in both 1/48 and 1/72 scales. The range includes the actual MB.3 prototype, the MB.3b with its bubble canopy, and the MB.4 — a “What If” development fitted with the Bristol Centaurus radial.

The MB.4 immediately caught my eye. With the inclusion of a stinger tail hook in the kit, I decided to finish mine as a speculative Royal Navy fighter.

Construction was fast and uncomplicated. The fuselage is cast as a single piece, with the cockpit dropped in from above and a saddle locating it neatly in place. Each wing is moulded as a single part. With just 46 resin pieces in total, assembly was rapid and fit was generally very good. The simple cockpit builds up nicely and looks convincing once painted and installed.

I did manage to snap a couple of parts along the way — the stinger hook (twice!) and the lower section of the port undercarriage leg — but repairs were simple enough.

For markings, I borrowed inspiration from Freightdog Models’ “Post War Seafires – Griffon Engined” decal sheet. Despite being nearly 15 years old, the decals performed flawlessly.

My chosen “What If” finish represents a late-1940s Royal Navy machine. I did, however, manage to paint the wingtip navigation lights back to front — port on the starboard side and starboard on the port side. Let’s just say the Admiralty changed the rules in 1946!

This model will feature in a full build article in Model Airplane International Issue 244.

Thanks to Aerocraft for the sample.

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