Airfix English Electric Canberra PR.Mk.9 1:48 – build review

Feature Article with Geoff Coughlin

Initial thoughts and overall view

Many modellers were impressed when Airfix announced their family of Canberra releases in 1:48th scale some years ago. A most welcome choice and having built a couple of the Classic Airframes examples I was keen to see how Airfix has approached build sequence, options offered, decals and overall quality.

I did build this one a while back and I’m still happy with it now and so right up front here is a summary of what I found plus a photo of my completed model – then you can follow the full story:

The Pros:

• Subject choice – long awaited; bold to go for significant re-tool from standard bomber versions to make PR-9 possible
• Options – dropped flaps possible; wing-tip tanks; early and late versions; different subjects offered on decal sheet
• Weighted tyres – significant as distinctive on parked Canberras
• Sturdy undercarriage – holds huge weight needed to keep aircraft from tail-sitting
• Panel lines – Generally accurate panel lining on wings and fin
• Decal instructions – full colour and generally very accurate panel line detail and decal location offered.

The Cons:

• Panel lines – Inaccurate placement of many fuselage panel lines
• Rudder – over-scale engraving across whole rudder. Needs filing and gentle re-scribing or smoothing over
• Decal sheet – very poor quality backing film / glue / adherence to model, rendering a great sheet in terms of detail, almost unusable
• Cockpit detail – poor seat and inaccurate layout, although much of this won’t be seen when canopy closed
• Weight needed – not really a con to be fair, but if you think you’ve added enough weight, double it!

On with the build…