Search the Community

Hi All, I'm working on the re-released Airfix Vanguard (144) in the BEA red square scheme. Im conscious how those plastic strip windows (which I think it comes with) always look a bit cack. Can anyone offer ideas of how to fill in windows a different way? I'd like it to look as pro as possible, as it's going to be a father's day gift. Ideas welcome. Chris

Roden have a nice bit of kit coming soon; the 1/144 RAF Vickers Super VC10 Type K3 1164 Tanker! For full details, please see our newsletter.

Roden have released two gorgeous kits of the Vickers Super VC10 in 1/144 scale. This iconic aircraft is available in two different versions, with either the distinctive BOAC livery or East African livery.

Broplan from Poland has just announced a family of 1/72nd Vickers Valetta and Viking vacuform kits. ref. MS-178 - Vickers VC.1 Viking C.2 (RAF VL233,VL247) http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-vc1-viking-c2--raf-vl233vl247-ms-178-broplan-ms-178-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LM5487ee1ddbc916443db3775547&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=126402 ref. MS-179 - Vickers VC.1 Viking B.1 (British European Airways) http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-vc1-viking-b1--british-european-airways-ms-179-broplan-ms-179-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LM5487ee1ddbc916443db3775547&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=126403 ref. MS-180 - Vickers Valetta T.3 (RAF VX564,WJ461) http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-valetta-t3--raf-vx564wj461-ms-180-broplan-ms-180-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LM5487ee1ddbc916443db3775547&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=126404 ref. MS-181 - Vickers Valetta T.4 (RAF WJ486) http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-valetta-t4--raf-wj486-ms-181-broplan-ms-181-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LM5487ee1ddbc916443db3775547&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=126405 V.P.

Vickers Mk.1 WW1 Guns. 1:32 Eduard Brassin. Developed from the Maxim Machine gum, Vickers improved the basic design by lightening it and using high strength alloys on key components. The ground based weapon had a water cooling system, but this was not found necessary when mounted on aircraft as the slipstream kept the gun cool, although the water cooling jacket was retained. It was very suitable for for use with synchronising system that enabled rounds to be fired through the spinning propeller, and thus widely used on British and French aircraft from 1916 onwards. The Brassin set provides 2 guns, with the main parts cast in resin with beautifully defined detail. Etched brass supplies brackets, sights, and a choice of 2 different cocking levers. The obvious place to use these will be on Wingnut Wings kits, where they will add that extra touch of detail to already beautiful models. Given that the gun was used well beyond the end of the First World War, and into the Second on the Gladiator and Swordfish, there are plenty of subjects that will benefit from a set of these. Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Vickers Wellesley, one of those forgotten types from the unfashionable side of modelling. Here's the very first boxing that I will be using for the build: Typical Matchbox kit, basic but accurate to the eye. I'll add a few details but won't be going rivet crazy - actually theres very few rivets in the design as it is a smaller brother to it's more famous stablemate the Wellington and shares it's fabric covered geodesic structure. As befits the simple kit it's appears a simple build: Schemes are two similar green/brown birds differentiated by their engines. Option 1 is a standard short cowl Mk1, but option 2 is more interesting as it is a form generally associated with just 3 aircraft of the Long Range Development Unit that flew from England-Egypt-Australia with the longest leg being 7300miles (in 1938!). But to confuse matters the kit decals arent for one of these 3...but more on that later

Hi guys Here is my S&M Models 1:144th Vickers Viscount that I was given at my club West Middlesex for a six month challenge competition. I have used Two Six Decals BEA Red Square scheme and BlurProps. This was a simple little build that I worked on and off this year recently completing and winning the club competition. The picture in the frame is a vintage postcard of G-AOYN that I found on evilbay. Finished in Tamiya, Vallejo and Halfords appliance white rattle can. I am not totally happy with the pictures but I have limited time these days so they will have to do. I hope you all enjoy. DSC_6607 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6615 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6617 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6623 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6625 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6627 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6629 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6634 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6635 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6641 by Mark Inman, on Flickr DSC_6643 by Mark Inman, on Flickr

For my next trick - the rarely seen, desert exiled brother of Wellington... Anyone know of a Wellesley workaround or source of reference pix. There are plenty of generic exterior shots but not in much detail, nor is there a huge number of interior views. There are a few detailed models out there but I would like to judge a selection from the real deal, especially as I intend to so a LRDA as opposed to a standard mk1. Trust me to choose the difficult version... Actually I looked at the Matchbox decals and had doubts as they've seen better days. If they so end up u/s then the LRDA aircraft will allow a Wiff option I have in reserve. ... Thx in advance.D.

Hi, This is my (almost) copleted Vickers Valiant. i say almost as not all of the decals are on it. i bought this kit from a particular internet auction site for about £40 inc P&P. i was a little irritated about the cost of the valiant kits as last autumn airfix were selling the valiant for £20 in their last chance to buy collection. this kit was a remarkably quick and easy build, as the only real interior detail is the bomb bay (which i left out) and the cockpit. the cockpit was a little basic, but the fit of parts was excellent. it needed a little filling on the fuselage halves and the bomb bay doors, but apart from that is was a relatively straight forward build. the model was painted with Humbrol Gloss White spray paint. i ended up spending £15 on the paint, as the cans are tiny! in future i think i will try to get better at airbrushing and airbrush instead. the decals had no silvering and were in good register. i had some issues with the paint seeing under the masking tape, in particular on the anti glair paint in front of the canopy. i made a few errors, such as the colour of the exhaust surrounds which will be fixed when i get the chance. Will

Valetta C.2 VX580 at The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, Flixton. Pics mine. This is the only Valetta to survive.

After the Valetta and classic Viking ( http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234972524-172-vickers-valetta-and-viking-vacuform-kit-by-broplan-released-new-boxing) Broplan from Poland is to release 1/72nd Vickers Type 618 Nene Viking vacuform kits with injection moulded small parts and Alps decals. - ref. MS-188 - Vickers Type 618 Nene Viking Source: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-type-618-nene-viking-ms-188-broplan-ms-188-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LH3559f65f0a21cbb5ab6aa20713&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=131080 - ref. MS-189 - Vickers Type 618 Nene Viking (RAF) Source: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/vickers-type-618-nene-viking-raf---ms-189-broplan-ms-189-scale-modelling/product/?shopid=LH3559f65f0a21cbb5ab6aa20713&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=131081 V.P.

For many years I have been dreaming that someone decided to produce a kit of this "ancient"style light tank that can be considered the true joining link between the horse mount and the steel mount for the hussars regiments. I think only of the pictures depicting it running in the desert plains of Africa. So, I've already bought two boxes of the Vulcan models first issue, the kit no. 56008, with the purpose of assembling them in different versions. The first one of course in France and the second one in North Africa. To do this I got the Echelon first decal sheets no.1 and 2. Now I've seen that the Vulcan gentlemen issued a third box, always for the Mk, Vi B but specific for the desert front. My question is which are the differences between the boxes? It's only a matter of decals and some water/fuel additional tanks or there are true differences? I'd like to avoid an unuseful purchase .... Many thanks to all! Ezio

Pics from Rich Ellis at The RAF Museum Cosford.

Well Gents, I got my latest stash-mates in the mail today; they include the CMR Westland Welkin, a Special Hobby A-35 to be painted up as a Navy TBV Georgia, and of course the Kora Vickers 432 high altitude interceptor (amongst others ) After careful reading on wiki I understand that only two aircraft were considered, and in 1944 the test flight plane was scrapped. If this beauty had gone into service, what sort of camo would it wear over the skies of Great Britain? If you have any suggestions as to which other roles it might take on, I would be happy to hear those too. Please do throw in your suggestions, the P scheme with yellow undersides does not agree with me.

I've ordered the Anigrand 1/144 Vickers Windsor, and will go without meat for July as a result. What references on this plane could I use if I wanted to detail or correct it if necessary? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Vickers Vanguard, pics thanks to Frank.

Just wondering if anyone is able to suggest where I might get hold of some scale plans for a Varsity? For some reason I've got a hankering to scratchbuild one in 1/48. Daft I know, but can anyone humour me?

Two posts in a row) this is my latest built, a resin model in 1/76 from a dutch make Giesbers. Not an easy project, the subject is worth the effort to me. I didn't post in WIP section, so I add a bit here

A tiny tank made even smaller by the fact that it is 1/76. I had been a long time after this tank as it was one of the most important tanks I was missing in my collection. I refused to buy the JB Models for 13 €, and bought it eventually the Airfix reissue for just 6 GBP or so. More pics here; http://toysoldierchest.blogspot.com/2013/06/airfix-jb-models-vickers-light-tank-mk.html

Vickers vincent Mk.I 1:72 Azur FRROM The large, ungainly and yet somewhat attractive Vildebeest was first flown in 1928 using proven design methodology incorporating an all metal airframe with fabric skinning. Crewed by either two or three, production variants predominantly used the Pegasus radial engine. Whilst the Vildebeest was primarily employed as a torpedo bomber, a private venture by Vickers was to create a general purpose version to replace the Westland Wapitis and Fairey III’s in supporting the army out in the Middle East. Successful trials in the hotter climates were successful and this was to become the Vincent. The Vincent first entered service in 1934 with 84 Sqn based at Shaibah in Iraq and by 1937 equipped 6 squadrons in Iraq, Kenya, Sudan and Egypt. Differences on the Vincent were fairly minor with the most noticeable change replacing the torpedo with a long range underbelly tank. By WWII, the Vincent was mostly replaced by Blenheims and Wellesleys, however 84 aircraft continued service into WWII. They operated bombing missions against the Italians in the East African Campaign and Iraqi rebel forces attempting a coup in 1941 as well as coastal patrols from Aden. A notable achievement was the attack on the Italian submarine Galileo Galilei which led to its surrender. Vincent’s were retired from front line RAF service in 1943 although continued on in some more unusual activities until 1944. Around 60 of the retired machines were passed to the RNZAF in 1939 where they served in the reconnaissance and attack role. Altogether, 197 Vincent’s were either produced or modified from Wildebeests. The kit Azur released the Vildebeest a few years ago (See Paul’s review HERE) and it was warmly welcomed by the modelling community. This is a release of the same kit with some additional parts as necessary to create a Vincent. Whilst it’s a limited run kit with typical characteristics like a lack of location pins, the quality of the moulding is quite stunning. So what’s included in the kit? Firstly, there’s 4 medium grey injection moulded sprues holding around 80 parts of which some aren’t used. There is hardly any flash present. This is supplemented by 24 resin parts; a clear sprue and a fret of etch containing over 50 parts. In the box I received, there was also an additional larger resin engine that isn’t mentioned in the instructions but I assume to be a Perseus engine with moulded on connecting rods. This was only used in small numbers on the Vildebeest Mk.IV, 12 of which were sold to the RNZAF so there is the possibility to make one of these. The A5 instruction booklet is provided with text in English and French. The diagrams were well drawn with useful exploded views of some of the more intricate elements such as accurate location of wing struts relative to each other. Paint schemes refer to Gunze paints. Rigging diagrams are also included. Perseus engine ? Construction starts with the cockpit interior. Azur don’t just provide great external detail, they make sure the interior is well provided for too. A combination of etch, resin and plastic is used to give the cockpit a comprehensive and scale accurate look. The interior of the fuselage halves include detail to represent the metal framework. Etch parts include seatbelts, trim wheels and rudder pedal straps. The control column is finely produced out of resin. One of the more tricky elements of the kit is the clear windows. Whilst most mainstream kits tend to have a tab that windows locate against, these simply push in from behind with a very subtle taper to hold them. Take care to ensure you glue them carefully and adequately so they don’t push in when it comes to painting. With the interior complete, the two fuselage halves are closed up and mounted onto the lower wing. Surface detail on the exterior is a combination of fine recessed panel lines and raised fabric effect and access panels. Mounting the tail and tail planes looks to be simple by way of the design of both aircraft and kit. What I think will be the most difficult part will be mounting the upper wing to the lower one via the struts. This isn’t a skill that I’ve readily mastered, so I’ll let someone else off advice on this step! (Edit: See Christopher's comment below ) One thing to be aware is that the location points for the struts in the wing are very shallow and a few are marginal, so it might be worth drilling them out with a suitably sized micro drill. With the feathers on, the engine comes next. The assembly is quite a complicated affair and Azur have replicated this superbly. The resin engine is sandwiched between the exhaust manifolds and the exhausts mounted to the sides of the fuselage. There are no location pins for the exhausts to mount to the fuselage, so care will have to be taken when gluing them, especially if you prefer to fit these parts after painting. The undercarriage has two options; spatted or non-spatted so at this point you will have to choose your scheme to suit. According to the instructions, there’s a hook mounted to the starboard unit but it’s not clear how it’s stowed. As with the wing strut points, the holes for the undercarriage mounting points are either fine or non-existent, so take care. It might be worth doing this before you even build the model as a dry fitting exercise. The final major step is fitting the weaponry. The aircraft was armed with bombs and a central fuel tank. The bomb racks are each comprised of a plastic body with two etch clamps to support the bomb. These look very fine indeed. The bombs themselves are made of resin with separate fin sections. Each wing holds 4 bombs. Various etch parts are finally added to the wings and fuselage such as control linkages, mass balances, access ladder etc. There are very delicate so probably better to fit after painting if you’re clumsy like me! The rear facing gun gets an equal treatment of detail from the etch fret to supplement the plastic main components. Decals One of the things I like about the Azur kits is the great selection of schemes that you get straight from the box. 4 options are included, two RAF and two RNZAF. The colour on the decals look excellent, the register spot on although the small placards look a little under defined compared to some I’ve seen, but this is me trying to be balanced in my observations. The schemes included are: K4712 - 8 Sqn RAF based at Khormaksar, Aden, August 1940 – 6 colour shadow scheme K6363 - 244 Sqn RAF based at Sharjah, 1942 – Mid stone / Dark Earth / azure scheme NZ344 – 30 Sqn RNZAF, Gisborne, May – July 1943 – Dark earth / dark green / grey scheme NZ322 – 2 SFTS, Woodbourne, 1940/41 – Dark earth / dark green / aluminium high level demarcation scheme Conclusion Bi-planes are typically more difficult to build than monoplanes. Couple this with the some of the issues like strut location points I’ve mentioned and the small etch parts, it’s not going to be one of the easiest kits to put together. That said, the quality of the kit is certainly worthy of praise, the moulding is superb and the detail is very well catered for, so I’m very pleased that Azur have chosen this subject as part of their range. Clearly, a lot of research has gone into its design. In a nut shell, I think this kit is a little gem! Review sample courtesy of

Walkaround of a Standard VC10, BUA spec and the fuselage of a BOAC spec. There are also a couple of VC10 C1k pics with the flaps, slats, RAT, antennas and gear doors deployed. Reg's are A40-AB (G-ASIX), G-ARVM, XV109, XR807.Pics from Mike (mike1275)

The model shown is the 1/72 scale Aeroclub vacform Vickers Varsity T1. I have scratch built the landing flaps, aircraft interior, front wheel bay, all the aerials, access ladder and access door, added extra detail such as wind screen wipers and brake lines to the wheels. Airbrushed using Tamiya white, Xtracolor light aircraft grey and red, weathered using Promodeller wash and post shaded using charcoal crayons. This model represents the aircraft WF372 and was delivered to the RAF in 1951, and finally retired from No 6 Flying Training School at RAF Finningley, Yorkshire, in 1976 it spent the next 12 years at Sibson Airfield near Peterborough before being purchased by Brooklands Museum in September 1988 where it is now on public display. Build thread http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=73267