Meteor NF.11 RAE Hybrid & NF.12
Conversions and Decals

for Classic Airframes kits

Alley Cat, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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Alley Cat has released three related items to transform your Classic Airframes 1/48 scale Meteor night fighter kit.

AC 48006C - Meteor NF.12 Nose and Tail Conversion

This is a simple, two piece resin set to convert the Classic Airframes 1/48 scale Meteor NF.11 / 13 to the Mk.12 night fighter.

Surface detail is by way of crisply recessed panel lines that will nicely match the petite detail on the Classic Airframes kit.

Alley Cat's resin nose and tail parts are perfectly cast in pale caramel coloured resin and are both hollow. This is a real advantage for the tail-heavy Classic Airframes kit, as the tail will be as light as possible and the space in the nose may be used for extra weight to help keep the front wheel on the ground.

The resin parts will be easy to clean up, with just a few casting stubs at the rear of the nose and a strip along the trailing edge of the rudder to be removed.

Installation of the conversion parts should be no more difficult than building Classic Airframes' donor kit In fact, it will probably easier than some aspects such as the engine nacelles! The kit nose is a separate part so no cutting will be necessary in this area. The single-page instructions for the conversion show clearly the single cut required to the rear fuselage.

AC48007C - Meteor NF.11 RAE Hybrid Nose and Tail

A number of Meteor NF.11s were modified with a different style of nose. This conversion represents an aircraft that saw trials service with the Royal Aircraft Establishment and the Royal Radar Establishment.

The same comments made above apply to this conversion except that the nose is a different shape.

Markings for the hybrid aircraft are not included with the conversion, but may be purchased separately on the associated Alley Cat Decal sheet reviewed below.

ACD48003 - Gloster Meteor NF.11/12 Decals

These decals will be essential for anyone using the resin conversion sets. They cover three trials NF Mk 11's and six operational NF Mk.12's:

• NF 11 (modified) WM374 of 6 Joint Services Trials Unit, Blue Sky Missile trials Australia 1955-57 (Alley Cat conversion due soon)

• NF 11 (hybrid) WD790 of Royal Radar Establishment, RRE Pershore, August 1974, camouflage finish (Alley Cat resin set AC48007C)
  

• NF 11 (hybrid) WD790 of Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, August 1981, Raseberry Ripple scheme (Alley Cat resin set AC48007C)

• NF 12 WS685 of 153 Squadron, 1957, camouflage finish (Alley Cat resin set AC48006C)

• NF 12 WS665 of 153 Squadron, 1957, camouflage finish (Alley Cat resin set AC48006C)

• NF 12 WS665 of 25 Squadron, 1958, camouflage finish (Alley Cat resin set AC48006C)

• NF 12 WS623 of 72 Squadron, 1956, camouflage finish (Alley Cat resin set AC48006C)

• NF 12 WS605 of 64 Squadron, 1957, camouflage finish (Alley Cat resin set AC48006C)

• NF 12 WS593 of 85 Squadron, 1957, camouflage finish (Alley Cat resin set AC48006C)

Full colour instructions are supplied.

The two decal sheets are perfectly printed and in good register.

Alley Cat's 1/48 scale Meteor NF.11 Hybrid and NF.12 conversions are well executed and interesting.

The availability of associated decals is a real bonus.

Thanks to A2Zee Models for the review sample

Alley Cat and FAA Models' accessories are available from A2Zee Models  website

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2009 by Brett Green
Page Created 27 January, 2009
Last updated 27 January, 2009

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