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An (Airfix) 1/144 scale Valiant B.1 for £7.99! - updated 9/6/14


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That got your attention!

I picked up this die-cast metal and plastic model from Smiths a month or so ago, a pretty rough model but I thought it had some potential.

It is actually a scaled down copy of the Airfix 1/72 kit, complete with all the faults mentioned in the pinned build guide. The upper wing is cast metal, the rest is plastic. I am going to use General Melchett's build guide to bring this model up to scratch.

Parts breakdown

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It is quite easy to get apart, the main parts are screwed together, all the other parts are fixed with superglue.

The metal wing after 30 mins in paint stripper

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Lots of nice fine engraved detail!

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Next step is to scratch build a new cockpit - the one provide looks like it would be better suited to a B-47!

Edited by Blacktjet
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Next step is to scratch build a new cockpit - the one provide looks like it would be better suited to a B-47!

Will it be visible or do you just follow the same "I must build it it" insanity route that I do?

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True, very true.

I'll be watching this with great interest mate.

:popcorn:

Actually... Was this one of the models that came in a magazine? If so then I got the 1/144 Lancaster (Tallboy version) but didn't see any of the other kits / mags so I was a bit miffed.

Edited by Murdo
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  • 2 weeks later...

A small update; I decided to open up the crew entry door, the two fuselage windows and also the weapons bay. I had originally intended to add just a basic cockpit as not much can be seen through the cockpit windows but with the crew entry door open, a fair bit of the rear cockpit is visible.

DSCF1573_zps290c2404.jpg

The plastic of the fuselage sides is quite thick to allow easy ejection from the mould - this simplifies construction of a cockpit interior, however, it does require thinning down of the wall around the door opening to give the effect of scale thickness.

Constructed cockpit with a coat of paint, ready for detailing.

DSCF1575_zps2920bd7f.jpg

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If anyone is interested in obtaining this model, It is Giant Warplanes issue 8 and can be ordered as a back issue form your newagent or direct from the publishers for the cover price £7.99 + 50p p&p

Giant Warplanes

FREEPOST RSJT-KEZX-RYGY

Rolling Mill Road

Jarrow

NE32 3DE

Edited by Blacktjet
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