Hi All,
Though it seems a nice idea, this model will be painted. The three colour sprues were Matchbox's attempt to make it more appealing to younger modellers, a nice notion, but for a serious modeller a hindrance rather than an aid.
Anyway I decide to do a test dry fit to see potential issues in the build. As with most Matchbox kits there are simplified pieces, though quite accurate dimensionally.
The engine pods were assembled, but I already knew that they will need some filling and tidying up to make good, in particular the intakes and exhausts which are more or less non-existent.
Also identified was the numerous sink marks in the mouldings that need correction, these can be seen in the attached photo's as black marker pen marks, a good way the highlight area's for correction.
The tailplanes are shown as 'ribbed' with only a trim tab moulded on them. However my information suggests that they were metal stressed skin, and of variable incidence, therefore some work needed to correct them and some re-scribing of these and the main wings too.
The cockpit/fuselage interior though simple, once dressed up with a few details looks promising enough to pass muster.
The wings have been assembled, but the slats need a little work to blend them in better to the upper surface, and as already noted some re-scribing. One particular omission is the landing light on the Starboard outer wing, this I intend to modify and a new light cover moulded from acetate.
Bigkev
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