1/48 Classic Airframes Canberra B.2

by Mike Regan

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This is my first submission to a modelling website!  The sleek grey/black bomber sitting in the middle of my scruffy work table is the Classic Airframes 1/48th scale Canberra B.2 - this was the replacement for the legendary D.H. Mosquito operated by the RAF in WW2.  The first Canberras were delivered in this Medium Sea Grey/Gloss Black scheme in late 1951.  My model represents an aircraft of No.44 Squadron RAF in 1955.

The model is pretty much built straight from the box, and as typical of a short-run kit there were a lot of fit issues - especially with the cockpit bulkheads and the fronts of the engine nacelles, which were moulded as separate pieces.  Like the earlier CA Meteor kits, these were a nightmare to get right - I'm still not entirely happy with them!  Don't bother going nuts over interior detail - there is virtually nothing to see once everything is closed up, and a black interior doesn't help.  I needed plenty of weight - about 170grams (6 oz) to keep this bird sitting upright - I also shortened the nose undercarriage strut as it is too long as moulded.  Luckily the undercarriage struts are built like tree trunks and easily support the weight of the finished model.

I used Xtracolour Medium Sea Grey over Humbrol Gloss Black with Tamiya X-11 Chrome Silver for the wingtip tanks and wheel wells.  The national markings and bird emblems are courtesy of the kit decals, Model Alliance decals provided the white serial numbers.

The Canberra is a post-war British classic and a long time favourite of mine - I have several more stashed away for future projects!

Mike

Photos and text © by Mike Regan