Paul Bradley Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 This is probably the first Canberra kit to be released anywhere, back in 1955. It stayed in production until 1967, and over 40,000 units were produced in all - this particular kit dates from 1965-67. Surprisingly, this kit is still the only early Canberra photo-recce mark that’s ever been released! The Canberra PR.3 and PR.7 were slightly lengthened version of the B.2/6 airframes with extra room for cameras and photo-flash bombs. While we’ve been treated to new Canberras in recent years, including great kits of the later PR.9, no-one has produced either of these marks. Typical of the period, this kit very simple, has a moulded in half-pilot and is covered with heavy raised panel lines and rivet “detail.” There are just 21 parts including one-piece main undercarriage units. As was typical then, there are no undercarriage bays, just slots for the legs to fit into. The kit is rounded off with one of those classy Frog stands. Decals are included for one aircraft, WH773. Amazingly, this aircraft still survives, at the Gatwick Aviation Museum, and is looked after by a well-known contributor to the Britmodeller forums! This kit compares well when laid over plans and could, if so desired, make the basis of a good super-detailing project if combined with some aftermarket parts. The nose is better than the old Airfix kit, but it remains to be seen if a PR.3/7 conversion set for the new Airfix kit will be produced. As for my build, I am as yet undecided as to which direction to take. This will be forming part of the Classic British Kits SIG display at Telford, and as one of the original Frog 7, I was intending to build it stricly OOB - this is a vintage kit and I want the model to reflect that. However, in the course of making the seams disappear, there will be a lot of panel lines and rivets disappearing too, and it would be difficult to replace them all seamlessly, if you'll forgive the pun. I really don't want to superdetail it, as that would be out of keeping with the nature of that part of the display. So I think I'l be removing all the surface detail and not replacing it, using slightly different shades of NMF to hint at panels. I plan on using a simplified tromp d'oeil for the pilot and cockpit area, and the kit will be built wheels up for display on the lovely circular stand - I am hoping the name placard decal will hold up after 40 years....!
avro683 Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) This is probably the first Canberra kit to be released anywhere, back in 1955. It stayed in production until 1967, and over 40,000 units were produced in all - this particular kit dates from 1965-67. Surprisingly, this kit is still the only early Canberra photo-recce mark that’s ever been released! The Canberra PR.3 and PR.7 were slightly lengthened version of the B.2/6 airframes with extra room for cameras and photo-flash bombs. While we’ve been treated to new Canberras in recent years, including great kits of the later PR.9, no-one has produced either of these marks. Typical of the period, this kit very simple, has a moulded in half-pilot and is covered with heavy raised panel lines and rivet “detail.” There are just 21 parts including one-piece main undercarriage units. As was typical then, there are no undercarriage bays, just slots for the legs to fit into. The kit is rounded off with one of those classy Frog stands. Decals are included for one aircraft, WH773. Amazingly, this aircraft still survives, at the Gatwick Aviation Museum, and is looked after by a well-known contributor to the Britmodeller forums! This kit compares well when laid over plans and could, if so desired, make the basis of a good super-detailing project if combined with some aftermarket parts. The nose is better than the old Airfix kit, but it remains to be seen if a PR.3/7 conversion set for the new Airfix kit will be produced. As for my build, I am as yet undecided as to which direction to take. This will be forming part of the Classic British Kits SIG display at Telford, and as one of the original Frog 7, I was intending to build it stricly OOB - this is a vintage kit and I want the model to reflect that. However, in the course of making the seams disappear, there will be a lot of panel lines and rivets disappearing too, and it would be difficult to replace them all seamlessly, if you'll forgive the pun. I really don't want to superdetail it, as that would be out of keeping with the nature of that part of the display. So I think I'l be removing all the surface detail and not replacing it, using slightly different shades of NMF to hint at panels. I plan on using a simplified tromp d'oeil for the pilot and cockpit area, and the kit will be built wheels up for display on the lovely circular stand - I am hoping the name placard decal will hold up after 40 years....! Hi Paul I heard it through the grapevine that Aeroclub are producing a plug for the Aitfix B2 to do just that. Good luck with the current build. Tony Edited June 2, 2009 by avro683
David Womby Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 Paul It is a nice match to scale plans, isn't it? I look forward to seeing you work your usual magic on this one - a trompe d'oeil for the intakes too? David
PHREAK Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) Hi PaulI heard it throuh the grapevine that Aeroclub are producing a pug for the Aitfix B2 to dojust that. Good luck with the current build. Tony Say what???!!!! A PR7 plug? OMG, I'm dreaming again ...! I do hope you're right. Hope the rumour of a new canopy is true too. Edited May 30, 2009 by PHREAK
Paul Bradley Posted May 31, 2009 Author Posted May 31, 2009 Cheers, all. It is a nice match to scale plans, isn't it? I look forward to seeing you work your usual magic on this one - a trompe d'oeil for the intakes too?David Yes, intakes too - they are just a blank face at the mo. Should be interesting.....!
Paul Bradley Posted June 2, 2009 Author Posted June 2, 2009 Hmmm, I just learned that WH773 took part in the Britain to New Zealand Air Race in 1953 - anyone have a photo of her in race colours? Bex, perhaps?
AnonymousDFB1 Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 Hmmm, I just learned that WH773 took part in the Britain to New Zealand Air Race in 1953 - anyone have a photo of her in race colours? Bex, perhaps? Watch this space Bex is working on it. Needless to say photos of the race are rare I have found Bex a couple of very small ones and the book about the air race is sadly long out of print.
bexwh773 Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 Hmmm, I just learned that WH773 took part in the Britain to New Zealand Air Race in 1953 - anyone have a photo of her in race colours? Bex, perhaps? One way or another Im hoping to have my grubby mits on a photo of that in about a week What I can tell you Paul is that she was NMF all over. Furthermore she was the record holder for the distance / speed between London & Columbo and the only reason she didnt win the race was she went U/S with I believe a generator fault (this is only a rumour and Im still awaiting confirmation on the fault) allowing PR3 WE139 to win. Also all the Canberras issued to 540 Sqn were all brand new, specifically for this race and aiming for breaking records, 139 was probably the oldest at 8 months, with 773 being 1.5 months. Bex
Paul Bradley Posted June 2, 2009 Author Posted June 2, 2009 Thanks ladies! Subject to photographic confirmation, I imagine I'll be able to use the kit decals as is, with the addition of the race number on the rear fuselage - a black number 1 in a white circle. I just got a hold of the Canberra bible - the Ken Delve/Peter Green book - and what a treasure trove of detail that is! There's a short piece about the race, but no photo of '773.
avro683 Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 Thanks ladies! Subject to photographic confirmation, I imagine I'll be able to use the kit decals as is, with the addition of the race number on the rear fuselage - a black number 1 in a white circle. I just got a hold of the Canberra bible - the Ken Delve/Peter Green book - and what a treasure trove of detail that is! There's a short piece about the race, but no photo of '773. Be careful with that book, Paul. Bex tells me it's full of inaccuracies. I have Barry Jones Crowood book, a fine tome. Tony
bexwh773 Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 Thanks ladies! Subject to photographic confirmation, I imagine I'll be able to use the kit decals as is, with the addition of the race number on the rear fuselage - a black number 1 in a white circle. I just got a hold of the Canberra bible - the Ken Delve/Peter Green book - and what a treasure trove of detail that is! There's a short piece about the race, but no photo of '773. Youre most welcome. Delves book is good, however, I have noted daft factual errors from the supposed official Canberra Historian For example, check the first flight date for WH773, you will see it was the first week of October 1953, actually after the Air Race IIRC, instead of August 16th 1953 You will find that WH773 is one of the most camera shy Camberras, apart from Museum Photos, I think Ive found only 2 or 3 in service photos. Bexy
DamienB Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 Les was a big fan of that book - so 'full of inaccuracies' might be a bit over the top? Perhaps if you applied that to Bruce Barrymore Halfpenny's book you'd be right though - Les was scathing about that one. His review pointed out many of the problems in the book and the author's response was to demand the removal of the review from the web 'or else'. Say no more...
keefr22 Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 I'l be removing all the surface detail and not replacing it, using slightly different shades of NMF to hint at panels. I know this will sound like pit-nicking of the highest order, but Canberras weren't left in NMF, they were painted (or doped) overall high-speed silver..... Keef
AnonymousAA72 Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 What I can tell you Paul is that she was NMF all over. NMF? Or HSS? Or was she stripped of paint for the flight?
bexwh773 Posted June 2, 2009 Posted June 2, 2009 NMF? Or HSS? Or was she stripped of paint for the flight? You know Bill Im not too sure to be honest I would think most probably HSS as that was standard for PR in those days. As photos of this particular aircraft are so rare Id hate to say definate. Damien, yes youre quite right on both, however, factual inaccuracies are a bit of a big boo boo, perhaps I was OTT in my choicce of words (and yes, Halfpennys book was over priced and not very good) Bexy
DamienB Posted June 5, 2009 Posted June 5, 2009 Youre most welcome. Delves book is good, however, I have noted daft factual errors from the supposed official Canberra Historian For example, check the first flight date for WH773, you will see it was the first week of October 1953, actually after the Air Race IIRC, instead of August 16th 1953 You will find that WH773 is one of the most camera shy Camberras, apart from Museum Photos, I think Ive found only 2 or 3 in service photos. I've just got hold of a copy of this book (took a while to find one at a reasonable price!). Page 243 - WH773 First prod PR.7, f/f 16.8.53... nice shot of 773 on p57 too. Graham Pitchfork is still about and may have some more photos from that sortie?
Nick Millman Posted June 5, 2009 Posted June 5, 2009 (edited) 773 = HSS Edited June 5, 2009 by Nick Millman
bexwh773 Posted June 5, 2009 Posted June 5, 2009 I've just got hold of a copy of this book (took a while to find one at a reasonable price!). Page 243 - WH773 First prod PR.7, f/f 16.8.53... nice shot of 773 on p57 too. Graham Pitchfork is still about and may have some more photos from that sortie? Damien, Thanks for the correction, just excuse me at the moment, I seem to be having a few too many Bexy Muppet Moments again Bexy
Paul Bradley Posted June 5, 2009 Author Posted June 5, 2009 I've just got hold of a copy of this book (took a while to find one at a reasonable price!). Page 243 - WH773 First prod PR.7, f/f 16.8.53... nice shot of 773 on p57 too. Graham Pitchfork is still about and may have some more photos from that sortie? Me too - plenty at online booksellers for upwards of $100, but found mind at Topsail Books in Scotland for just $65, inc. shipping! Score! It is a nice photo of her in camo colours, but just a bit later than the period I'm looking for! Thanks for checking though, Damien.
Paul Bradley Posted June 5, 2009 Author Posted June 5, 2009 (edited) Meanwhile, I HAVE been working on the model, but haven't downloaded the pics yet. Got the fuselage and wings assembled, and all the surface detail removed - anyone with a Trumpeter kit want to buy a few hundred rivets? Edited June 5, 2009 by Paul Bradley
DamienB Posted June 5, 2009 Posted June 5, 2009 Mine was 30 quid all in. Signed by all three authors too. Not rubbing it in at all...
keefr22 Posted June 5, 2009 Posted June 5, 2009 Mine was 30 quid all in. Signed by all three authors too.Not rubbing it in at all... Mine was £1. Won by my son in the Tombola at the Nats a few years back. Not rubbing it in at all...
Paul Bradley Posted June 6, 2009 Author Posted June 6, 2009 Believe me, I am VERY pleased with the price I paid, considering that these are advertised for up to $200.......! Got a little more done last night - the fuselage had "ridges" along the dorsal and ventral seams, so I rounded them off - the Canberra having a circular cross-section of course.
Paul Bradley Posted June 6, 2009 Author Posted June 6, 2009 A few photos, showing what I started with: The fuselage: The wings: The stand, with the decal placard - it DID work!!: And the undercarriage - what do you think guys? Should I use it? OK, maybe not........
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