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1/48 Airfix Canberra PR9


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Quite a quick build this (for me anyway). Basically OOB but I used a spare seat from the CA Canberra in place of the kit offering, brass tube for the nose pitot, clearfix for the two small navigators compartment windows & nylon line for the antenna. There are a coupe of things to point out for anyone tackling this now or in the future. First, ignore the kit instructions for the aileron assembly that suggest using parts 34C & 36C, use the two upper parts that are featured on the PR9 specific spue in the box (along with the BOZ pods); these parts have the fairings for the power operated controls that the PR9 uniquely featured & are "continuations" of the small corresponding bumps on the wing uppers. I wasn't aware of this so mine are WRONG! Secondly & rather frustratingly, although the instructions give guidance as to the correct tail bullet (19J or 21J) to use for the four options the kit provides, no such information is given regarding the massive under fuselage camera pallet (3H or 4H), merely suggesting that you have a choice! I hope mine is correct for an early PR9 but can't swear to it. I also omiitted the two fin mounted (ILS?) antennae (38A & 37A) & filled the holes as these weren't seen on early examples. As with any aircraft with a long service life there are many aerials etc that appear & disappear as sensor/communication fits vary with time. Photo refs are very useful! I drilled small holes in the rear faces of the wing tip lights and applied tiny drops of red/green as these were clear plastic on the real thing with coloured lamps (as opposed to coloured covers). Canopy fit is not brilliant. As most will I am sure be building theirs as 1 PRU or Operation Telic "Persian Princess" or similar, I went for the early 60's 58 Squadron machine in over all High Speed Silver with the exception of Medium Sea Grey on the fin sides as these were wood on the real thing & although I think they were actually the same colour, the different material gave a very different appearance from the metal surfaces. Hope you like.

Quick edit, you will need an AWFUL lot of weight in the nose. Mine is crammed with lead & the nose wheel is barely on the ground!!

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Hi Graham,

I am building this one too, so I am very interested to see how you have got on? Welll, excellent...nice work, I just love the overall silver scheme and that's where I am headed too. I think slver in this scale and on the Canberra looks superb and you've certainly done it justice here.

Your hints and tips are really useful too so thanks for those. For once I've seen them before making a cock-up, so thanks again. Best wishes, Geoff :speak_cool:

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Graham,

That looks lovely.... I hope to do an earlier Canberra myself at some point. However I am in the middle of building two of the last Canberra's that served before the retirement and I offer this link to the photo build I am doing for those that might be interested.

I am not the worlds best modeller, but have an interest in the aircraft and subject of Recce, make of it what you will.

http://ipmsuk.proboards20.com/index.cgi?bo...amp;thread=4445

Colin

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Great link with some great obervations and work. Congratulations on what you have accomplished.

Regards

Graham,

That looks lovely.... I hope to do an earlier Canberra myself at some point. However I am in the middle of building two of the last Canberra's that served before the retirement and I offer this link to the photo build I am doing for those that might be interested.

I am not the worlds best modeller, but have an interest in the aircraft and subject of Recce, make of it what you will.

http://ipmsuk.proboards20.com/index.cgi?bo...amp;thread=4445

Colin

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Graham,

That looks lovely.... I hope to do an earlier Canberra myself at some point. However I am in the middle of building two of the last Canberra's that served before the retirement and I offer this link to the photo build I am doing for those that might be interested.

I am not the worlds best modeller, but have an interest in the aircraft and subject of Recce, make of it what you will.

http://ipmsuk.proboards20.com/index.cgi?bo...amp;thread=4445

Colin

Thanks Colin. I've just ordered another PR9 which, armed with your link, some Xtradecals & some better PR9 specifc refs than I currently possess, will be another early PR9. I just can't bring myself to build a hemp example, don't know why!

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Graham,

Thank you for that.

Another couple of thoughts have come upon me.... that might help you, and others.

Before the kit was released, I bought all the decals I could, and I also run the IPMS(UK) decal bank, and had some decals donated... I have cut out the ones I want to use for my three models, but it still leaves a lot left...

So I have quite a few Canberra PR9 decals spare. Roundels of all sorts, particularly if you are not happy with the Airfix 'pale' ones... Stencils for all variants, and a variety of Sqn markings, all Model Alliance and Extra decal.

Also have a lot of photos for reference, that I would happily put on a CD, so feel free to email me at,

decalbank@googlemail.com

It might save you buying a whole sheet....

Colin

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