Trumpeter Avro Vulcan B.Mk2 (03931) - 1:144 Trumpeter via Pocketbond

[Julien]

Avro Vulcan B.Mk2 (03931)

1:144 Trumpeter via Pocketbond

 

 

It is hard to think of a more iconic aircraft to represent the RAF Strike Force at the height of the Cold War than the Avro Vulcan. It is also sometimes hard to believe it design work was lead by Roy Chadwick who deigned the Lancaster. Even though both fulfilling the same role the two are widely different. The Vulcan was the third of the V Bombers operated by the RAF, her sisters being the Valiant and Victor. The Vulcan was the more technically advanced aircraft and was considered a greater risk.  The first prototype flew in 1952 with production B.1 aircraft from 1955. The design was improved to the B.2 standard with better more powerful engines making the aircraft suitable to carry the Blue Steel stand off missile.  The Vlucans would loose their nuclear role in the 1970;s and switch to conventional support of NATO. It was in this later role and right at the end of their service life that Vulcans would fly their most famous sorties. In a major feat of aerial logistics they along with their Sisters the Victors would Stage from Ascension Island  to Bomb, and provide Radar Suppression on the Falkland Islands, a round trip of nearly 8000 miles. 

 

 

The Kit

This is a new tool kit from Trumpeter which has been done in collaboration with Bachmann/Pocketbond who are the official imported for Trumpeter into the UK. As well as offered as a Model Kit it is also offered in N Gauge and OO gauge train/aircraft sets celebrating XH558 the last airworthy Vulcan.  The kit has fine engraved panel lines and the underside has an insert to build either the conventional version the Blue Steel Carrying version. 

 

 

Construction starts with a rudimentary cockpit, as lets be honest you wont see much through the small windows. Next up the intakes are made up, with representative fan fronts at the ends. Next up the tail is constructed.  The intakes are then added to the lower wing/fuselage section, and the cockpit to the upper section. The two can then be joined together and the tail added.

 

 

At the rear the exhaust can be added, and then underneath the landing gear is made up and installed. For the underside centre the appropriate insert for a missile armed or convectional Vulcan. Lastley the gear doors, canopy and refuelling probe are added. 

 

 

 

 

Markings

There are 2 schemes provided in the kit;

 

XH558 In the wrap around Scheme

XL361 with Camouflaged top surfaces

 

 

 

The decal sheet is printed anonymously, and looks like it will pose no problems.

 

 

Conclusion

Its good to see a new tool Vulcan in a scale where most would be able to display it. Highly recommended. 

 

Review sample courtesy of

UK Distributors for

[bootneck]

2 hours ago, Julien said:

It is hard to think of a more iconic aircraft to represent the RAF Strike Force at the height of the Cold War than the Avro Vulcan.

 

How true, and it is great to see the another Vulcan kit on the market.  Well done Trumpeter and Pocketbond.

 

Mike