SCALE MODEL NEWS

WIN AN AIRFIX ENGLISH ELECTRIC CANBERRA by answering a simple multiple choice question. SMN report: Airfix are giving away two of these more than decent kits. All you need to do is visit this site , answer a (very) easy question, and add your details. Cutoff date for the comp is March 16, 2017. And click here for assorted updates from Airfix. Scroll down the page for an in-depth report on Canberra models, including this beautifully made miniature of a US-built Martin B-57 Canberra. Information and images courtesy Airfix.

Italeri’s 1:72 scale Martin B-57G Nighthawk is one of those golden oldie model kits that’s been around for a looong time. But it remains an interesting subject, representing a highly successful early medium jet bomber. The new release is much the same as before, with a 277mm (10.9in) wingspan, and adequate, if hardly state-of-the-art detailing. Fuel tanks and ordnance are included, as is the big two-piece nose radome. We’d just love to see a detail-up version, with engines, ground crew and bomb trolleys in the box. Decals However, Italeri has at least seen fit to add a choice of unit markings, and if you haven’t built a B-57 before, it could be an interesting way to while away some evenings at the workbench. Specialist choices A more unusual build for kit-bashers and keen converters would be one of the many specialist B-57s that have flown. The B-57 series listed a host of variants, a couple of which we show here. First off, the long-wing WB-57F Air Weather Service civilian version, fl...

Mat Irvine inspects: The Revell-Germany Classic Kits range aims to bring you: 'Classic kits from 5 decades of modelling history', and one of the recent aviation reissues certainly adds to the list. This is the Martin B-57B, a twin-engine medium jet bomber built in the US as a licensed version of the English Electric Canberra. Clouds of starter smoke surround an Air Guard B-57B. Successful Canberra jet The Canberra was a very successful high-flying design that first flew in 1949. It was manufactured throughout the 1950s, and flew in the air arms of at least 17 countries. The last Canberras were retired only in 2006, these from the Royal Australian Air Force. The Martin B-57 that is the subject of this Revell kit went into service in 1954 and in all, more than 400 were built. The B-57 was a stalwart performer during the Vietnam War, and Pakistani versions saw service against Indian forces in 1965, and again in 1971. Original 1957 catalogue entry. Looking at the past Back to the k...