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DH Vampire FB.5/FB.51/FB.52A/MK.6 - Mark1 Models 1:144 scale Mark I Models 1:144 scale Concept designs for the first Vampire was started as early as 1941 but these proposals were not accepted by the Air Ministry until 1942. Detailed designs were then undertaken for the aircraft which was now named the D.H. 100 Spider Crab and given an Air Ministry Specification E.6/41 for three prototypes. The first test flights were not undertaken until 1943 and a production order for 120 Vampire Mk.1 aircraft was issued in May of 1944. The first Mk.1’s entered operational service in the R.A.F. in 1946. The Vampire, in various versions proved to be a popular aircraft and saw service with many countries, including Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden. The kit: There are two complete kits provided in the box, which has a box-art image of Vampire Mk.5 WA144 tigermouth of No.112 Squadron R.A.F. in Germany 1953. The reverse of the box has five profile full-colour views showing various versions of the Vampire with their markings. These views are supplemented in the instructions with colour plan views that show painting demarcations and decal placements etc. The kit itself consists of a single grey sprue, containing all the component parts for the aircraft body; plus a clear sprue which holds the single-piece canopy and two tiny pieces for the wing-tip navigation lights. There are two of these kits in the box. On closer viewing, it can be seen that the engraved panel lines are sharp and not too recessed; although these could soon get filled when the primer, paints and varnish have been applied. The fuselage body is really small (obviously for the scale) and I can envisage some problems in finding space for the recommended 5g of nose weight. Five of the component parts make up the cockpit console, consisting of the floor; backwall; seat; control column and instrument panel. There is even a decal sheet for this panel!Finer details include intake and exhaust blanks, wheels and struts for main and nose gear assemblies, plus a pair of external wing tanks. The clear sprue holds the single-piece canopy and two tiny pieces for the wing-tip navigation lights. The four pages of instructions are fairly basic but clearly laid out in picture format, and include colour details for painting. There are two pages depicting coloured 4-view plans of the various liveries that can be applied. Some unusually different liveries are shown here. The decal sheet has markings for Vampires of air forces of Britain, France, Italy and Switzerland. There are enough decals to make two of the four aircraft displayed on the box-art; plus there will invariably be some decals left over for the spares box. Conclusion These kits can be classed as short-run castings and, as such, don’t just throw themselves together; however, with a little application and patience I think they can become nice little treasures in any post-war aircraft collection. I personally like this kit and I am pleased that Mark1 Models has produced this jet in 1:144 scale and I shall be buying more of them. These models can be purchased from many main line model and hobby shops or on-line. Review sample courtesy of: