Wellington GR. Mk. XIV
Trumpeter, 1/72 scale
S
u m m a r y |
| Catalogue Number and Description: |
Trumpeter Kit Number 01633 - Wellington GR.Mk.XIV |
| Scale: |
1/72 |
| Contents and Media: |
191 parts in grey plastic; 16 parts in clear; markings for two
aircraft |
| Price: |
Price around AUD$40.00, distributed in Australia by J.B. Wholesalers
Available through specialist hobby shops worldwide |
| Review Type: |
FirstLook |
| Advantages: |
High quality mouldings; very high level of interior and exterior detail;
raised geodetic surfaces and
finely recessed panel lines; bomb bay may be displayed open; thin and clear transparent parts; straightforward engineering / parts breakdown. |
| Disadvantages: |
Surface texture may not be to everyone's taste |
| Conclusion: |
Crisp and restrained surface detail and a simple parts breakdown make this a very appealing kit, even to the absolute beginner. |
Reviewed by Brett Green
Trumpeter's 1/72 scale Wellington GR. Mk.XIV is available online from
Squadron
Trumpeter has released a 1/72 scale Wellington GR.Mk.XIV as the latest in its line of Wimpys.
This is the first new Wellington GR.XIV since the 1/72 scale Matchbox kit from the 1970s. Although that kit was good for its day, the thick clear parts and lack of interior detail date this old Wellington three decades down the line.
By contrast, Trumpeter's 1/72 scale Wellington GR.Mk.XIV is very much an example of the current state of the art.
The kit comprises 191 parts in grey plastic, 16 parts in clear and markings for two aircraft.
The geodetic structure of the wings and fuselage interior is authentically reproduced in the appropriate areas. Some will undoubtedly find the effect overdone in this scale, but I like it.
The fabric effect is supplemented with selective raised stringers and crisply recessed panel lines.
Detail is excellent. The interior features an authentically fitted out cockpit and main cabin. Wheel wells and turret interiors are nicely detailed too. The only area lacking is the large, empty radome at the bottom of the nose. I am not sure whether this area would have been blanked off or full or equipment.
Clear parts are admirably thin and free of distortion.
Engineering of the parts is quite straightforward. The wings feature separate ailerons, and the large mating surface at the wing root is reinforced with box spars.
Markings for two aircraft are provided, both finished in white with upper surfaces in Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey.
The decals are thin and in good register, but the red looks too bright to my eye.
Options are as follows:
K1, 458 Sqn. RAAF Algeria, 1943
QD-V, 304 Sqn RAF, 1944
We are experiencing a real Wellington-fest at the moment.
MPM released their 1/72 scale Wellington Mk.IC in 2002. This reamins a very nice kit. It has since been expanded to cover several variants (Mk.II, III, VIII and X), and has even appeared in an Italeri box.
Comparisons between MPM's and Trumpeter's 1/72 scale Wellingtons will be inevitable.
On the one hand, the distinctive geodetic surface texture on the MPM kits is subtler than Trumpeter's treatment.
On the other hand, Trumpeter's Wellingtons offer more comprehensive interior detail and they will certainly be easier to build. Furthermore, MPM does not offer the GR.Mk.XIV variant, so the only other option is the elderly Matchbox kit.
Trumpeter's Wellingtons (in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales) are beautifully detailed kits that fit together well. The addition of this 1/72 scale GR.Mk.XIV to the family is very welcome indeed.
Thanks to J.B. Wholesalers for the sample
Text and Images Copyright © 2008 by
Brett Green
Page Created 16 October, 2008
Last updated 16 October, 2008
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