Mark I Models DH Mosquito PR.IV/B.IV 'Special Liveries' - 1:144

[Paul A H]

DH Mosquito PR.IV/B.IV 'Special Liveries'

1:144 Mark I Models

 

 

The de Havilland Mosquito was conceived as a high-powered, high-speed bomber. Unlike other aircraft of the day, it was depended on its speed, rather than defensive gun turrets, for survival. It was also noteworthy for being constructed of wood composite, a technique pioneered by de Havilland in the sleek de Havilland Albatross airliner. This helped to save weight, but also reduced reliance on the scarce alloys used in the construction of other aircraft. Overcoming the skepticism of the Air Ministry, during early trials the Mosquito proved to be comfortably faster than the Spitfire Mk.II. In the end, almost 8,000 examples were completed, with the type serving well beyond the end of the War. The B Mk IV was the original bomber version of the Mosquito, while the PR Mk IV was simply a photo reconnaissance conversion of the former. 

 

 

 

Mark I Models have produced quite a range of 1:144 scale kits, including many British WWII and Cold War types. This kit is part of a range of Mosquito kits released by the Czech manufacturer. The kit is limited run in nature, but the plastic parts are nicely moulded, , with crisp detail throughout. There is no flash present and the sprue attachment points are pretty fine for the scale. Being one of the larger kits in the line up, you only get one Mossie in the box instead of the pair of kits you find in their Spitfires or Vampires. As you might expect, construction is fairly straightforward. The cockpit is basic, but structurally complete, with a separate moulded seat for the pilot and a control column and instrument panel. Detail for the latter is provided courtesy of a very small decal. Once the cockpit is complete and the small fuselage windows have been fitted, the fuselage halves can be joined. The wings are simply split vertically and they are designed to fit inside the recesses on the fuselage sides. Each engine pod is moulded in vertical halves, with bulkheads to close the landing gear bays off at either end. The landing gear itself is nicely detailed and a choice of wheels are included depending on which of the painting schemes you choose to build. A choice of engine exhausts are also included. Despite its diminutive size, the canopy is pretty good. 

 

 

Mark I have included decals for four different schemes:

de Havilland Mosquito PR Mk IV DK310, LY-G, No.1 PRU, Royal Air Force Benson, summer 1941. This aircraft is finished in Dark Slate Grey and Sky Grey over PRU Blue;
de Havilland Mosquito PR Mk IV DZ473, No.540 Squadron, Royal Air Force Leuchars, June 1943. This aircraft is finished in overall PRU Blue and was used to photograph the V-2 rocket facility at Peenemunde;
de Havilland Mosquito PR Mk IV G-AGFV, BOAC, Royal Air Force Leuchars, early 1943. This aircraft is finished in Dark Earth and Dark Green over Sky. It was used for high-speed diplomatic courier operations to Sweden; and
de Havilland Mosquito B Mk IV G-AGFV, T9+XB, 2./VVB OKL Trials and Research Unit of the Luftwaffe High Command, Konigsberg-Neumark Airfield, Summer 1944.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Small and simple it may be, but this mini Mossie is no less appealing for it. The quality of manufacture looks to be pretty good and although there are no luxuries such as locating pins, it doesn't look as though it will be particularly challenging to build. Reccomended.

 

Review sample courtesy of