X Scale Airliner Hawker Siddeley Trident 1C 1:144 – build review

Kit ref: 144 003
Feature Article with Tim Haynes

Just before we get started, here’s a look at how it all turned out…

Background…

Following on from my recent build of the A-Model Comet, this became a companion build, as the Trident is another classic British airliner. It was also operated by BEA and thus fitted in nicely with the scheme I had done on the Comet.

Much like the Comet build I started by looking at availability of the old Airfix kit but ended up with this kit by X-Scale. However, unlike the A-Model Comet kit this one really does show the benefits of new tooling.

The Plan…

This was another aircraft I wanted to depict in flight, and I would be jointly displaying it with the Comet on a common stand. This would show off the elegant lines of the Trident, and also (as mentioned in the Comet article) avoid the need to be building 1:144 scale undercarriage!!

What’s in the box…

Everything is well packed with each sprue in its own plastic bag. The components are nicely moulding with fine engraving of panel lines and details. The majority of smaller parts are arranged across two sprues, with the fuselage and wings taking up another three frames. The screen including front upper fuselage is a separate one piece clear moulding in its own bag.

The instruction booklet is very nicely presented and gives a clear breakdown of the build sequence, and also the six options (all BEA variation across time).

The decal sheet is quite comprehensive and duplicates most of the trim items in Black and Dark Blue depending on whether you opt for an early of later scheme.

Aftermarket…

NH Detail – A144-013 – Lockheed C-140A JetStar Detail Set for Roden (This set was obtained based on having antennae etc that looked about the correct size)

Getting Started…