DH Vampire F.3 - 1/48 Airfix

[224 Peter]

This is a reasonably recent photo of a restored F3 from the RCAF. 

Strange colours....

But it makes the point that most of the panels are virtually invisible. 

 

Edited December 27, 2021 by 224 Peter
Addition of a photo

[ththtttu7]

Here's the finished Vampire.

Only the fin mounted pitot tube and underwing aerial are to be fitted.

 

Note, correct underwing serial spacing and position, so it is always visible when the tanks are fitted. The kit instructions are incorrect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 28, 2021 by David A Collins

[ththtttu7]

I've compared this 1/48 scale Airfix F3 to my same scale Classic Airframes FB5, and can say that the Airfix rendition is far superior.

 

While overall dimensions are pretty much identical, the Airfix kit has captured the 3D shape so much better due to the scanned original airframe.

 

I will build a second Airfix Vampire now as an FB5 to replace the Classic Airframes model in my collection.

[bigbadbadge]

It looks absolutely lovely,  great work on this, its great to know that Airfix have done a great job tooling this kit.  Kudos to them .  

Chris

[k5054nz]

Great work David, as a future buyer of this kit (or a future FB.5/9 boxing) I've really enjoyed following your build.

[ththtttu7]

Hopefully this will be a useful reference for future Vampire builders? This is the seat back padding seen on the non-ejector seat equipped Vampire F1, F3, FB5 and FB9 versions.

 

 

[k5054nz]

Thanks David, saved for reference. Also, how was I not already following you on Flickr? Now rectified!

[tk1608]

This looks very nice indeed. I’ll be buying one.

Just wondering, as I don’t really know much about vampires, what are the specific differences between the F3/5/9 ? I’ve seen a larger bulge around the tail area, is this only on the F9 ?

Thanks in advance 

Phil