Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $53.00 Web Site: www.airfix.com Hot on the heels of their first big new release, the Nimrod, here is the first in what promises to be a fine series of new 1/48 Canberra kits from Airfix. This kit is the B(I).8 interdictor, to me the version with the most purposeful lines, as opposed to the more purely aesthetic bomber version. The major difference of course is the fighter-type canopy and raised pilot's seat that gave the pilot much better all round vision, especially at low level; this replacing the so-called "bomber canopy", the goldfish bowl that covered the pilots in the B.2/6 and PR.3/7 versions. The B(I).8 was introduced in 1956 to fill the role of a night-intruder/interdictor, flying low-level missions with RAF Germany in Europe. In the bomber role, the B(I).8 only served with the RAF's Strike Squadrons in Germany; in its bomber configuration, the B(I).8 was part of the UK's Nuclear Strike Force and carried a US-made weapon. The B(I).8 served until 1972, the last of any RAF Canberras to operate in an offensive role. The interdictor variant was widely exported, serving with, amongst others, New Zealand, South Africa, India and Peru. All were externally the same at the B(I).8. The model will be large in this scale and comes in a commensurately large box, with striking artwork on the top-opening lid. All parts are bagged, the clear sprue separately. There's a sprue with the specific parts for this version; otherwise, the sprues appear to be common with some leftover goodies for the spares box. The large decal sheet is in register and looks to be well printed. It has a full set of stenciling, and options for three aircraft. These are: B(I).8 XM277 of 16 Sqn, RAF, Laarbruch, Germany, 1972. Camo is Dark Green/ Dark Sea Grey over Aluminium. B(I).12 NZ6106, 14 Sqn R New Zealand AF, Ohakea, New Zealand, 1968. Camo is Dark Green/ Dark Sea Grey over Aluminium. B(I).12 453, 12 Sqn South African Air Force, Waterkloof, South Africa, 1969-75. This version is overall Aluminium. Later, these a/c were camouflaged with overall PRU Blue, with the same basic markings.

These options are illustrated with full-colour painting and decal placement diagrams, a nice feature that I hope Airfix will continue to offer in all their kits. The instruction book has 39 pictorial construction stages, with Humbrol paint color callouts. Unfortunately, there is no colour chart to let you know what colors these are - a poor omission, as you'll have to go online to figure these out. I wish Airfix would add a color chart to their instructions, and add the proper BS/FS names for the colors while they are at it. On to the parts. For such a large model, there are relatively few parts and I think this will be a quite simple build. Exterior detail consists of engraved panel lines that match plans quite well, except on the horizontal tail which is devoid of these for some reason - just like the Nimrod. These panel lines do not have quite the finesse of those on the Nimrod, and the surface texture of the parts is a little grainier. On smaller parts such as the undercarriage, the detail is a little softer too. I believe that Airfix used a different toolmaker for this kit than for the Nimrod. If I were Airfix, and if cost isn't the issue, I'd stick with the guys who did the Nimrod. The level of detail seems to be adequate for the scale. In some respects, it is better than in the Classic Airframes kit, where the IM detail parts were quite poor, although the resin parts were excellent. Airfix have always adopted a philosophy to provide good shape and accuracy with a decent level of detail and this kit is no exception. I'm sure the aftermarket boys will have a field day, but I think that this model will look just fine from the box, especially given that the cockpit area is basically black! The kit provides a bomb bay insert, with doors that can be posed open or closed. There's a good selection of stores to hang in there and under the wings, including two types of bombs (although there's no indication of what these are), rocket pods, AS30 missiles, plus the 30mm cannon pack that was used by the interdictor squadrons. As we all do, I took some of the parts off the sprues and this indicates that assembly will be simple. Airfix have cleverly designed the nose so that all variants can be accommodated by the same basic molds. There's an insert for the cockpit area that fits very nicely, and the nose section is molded in clear so that the various windows can be easily masked for painting. The canopy is in two parts. This is to accommodate the PR.9 version that Airfix will be releasing soon. For this version, the canopy is glued shut, as crew access was through the side door in the nose. Do not be tempted to pose your B(I).8 canopy open - it did not happen! The undercarriage suffers a little from the softness of the detail, but it has the considerable merits of including separate mudguards for the nose u/c, and two types of main wheels with flats and side bulges molded in. I presume one set is for the forthcoming B-57 kit, to be available later this year. Dry fitting the wings shows that there will be no need for filler there - it's a perfect fit. There are separate inserts for the engine intakes and exhausts, and the flaps and ailerons are also separate. The horizontal tailplanes have separate elevators, and the rudder is poseable. It has some rather odd panel lines across it, I suppose these represent the internal structure of the rudder, but this representation is a little too caricatured and I expect I'll fill them in. Taken as a whole, the kit compares well to various plans and photos, but I have a few questions about accuracy that I need to clear up. The shape of the elevator tips looks a little off, but I need some decent photos to check that. Compared to plans and the Classic Airframes kit, the tailplane seems a little short on span by about 4-5 mm - confirmation of the correct tailplane span would be appreciated. The fin fillet looks a little deep; I'll need to check more photos on that. Otherwise, the nose contours are great, and the wings seem to be just fine. Overall, first impressions are very good. The kit is a little shy on detail, but the fit looks to be excellent and I expect this to be a far easier build that the Classic Airframes kit I reviewed last year. The signs are that this kit will offer very good value. My sincere thanks to Martyn Weaver at Hornby/Airfix for supplying the review sample. Airfix kits are available from all leading hobby retailers.

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