Search the Community

'Bout time this GB's host actually did some modelling don't you think? Apologies folks, I'm kinda torn between this and the 'extended' Frog GB, then there's that four letter word 'Work', so hadly had any decent time to do any proper modelling of late. What has happened though is that my initial choice of GB subject (Kinetic 1/48 Mirage IIIO) has turned a little sour. I won't shelve it for good, however it's best I park it for a while as to be honest, it's quite a horrid kit and after a few modelling sessions left me hating it and everything else close by. So to save my sanity and marriage (?) I've decided to tackle a good old Matchbox kit in the shape of their PR.9 Canberra - now you know I've really gone mad! Introduction Matchbox's 1978 Canberra kit was a welcome addition to all 'Cranberry' fans, although on closer examination it did reveal a few significant errors that spoil an otherwise clean and basic kit. To my knowledge the major errors are - Nose Cone - too long and pointy Hori Stabs - way too broad and wrong shape Engines - intakes too small and has a mid wing waste which is not accurate (not sure if I'll fix these?) Now it probably would have been better to start with the new-ish Airfix or Xtrakit models, however I don't have them and like my Frog GB Canberra B(I)12, I prefer to start with a clean airframe. The Airfix kit is spoiled by deep recess panel lines that are not seen on the real Canberra and I love working with Matchbox plastic, so overall this kit ticks a few boxes. Now funnily enough this was my third choice for this GB as I've ordered the new Revell MR.3 Shackleton, however it's taking an age to arrive. For family descendent reasons, I was thinking of building a Malta based 203 Squadron Shack, but then thought that during 1970 both 13 & 39 Squadrons also operated PR.9's from Luqa as part of NATO's active Southern area, so this is what I've now chosen to build. I'm still sourcing decals (my kit's ones are shot) and although I'd prefer to do a 39 Sqn. bird, may need to opt for 13 Squadron if things don't transpire. Besides a tail badge, they both look exactly the same either way so I can proceed as far as I need to before deciding on an actual serial. So after all that waffle, heres my small progress so far. Some plastic strip applied to the shallow nose wheel well and I've taken the knife to those large hori stabs. Cheers.. Dave Left - Correct size Frog Hori Stab // Right - Matchbox's parts! Some surgery