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de Havilland Venom FB.4


Czech Master Resin, 1/72 scale

S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number:

Czech Master Kit No. 189 - de Havilland Venom FB.4

Scale:

1/72

Contents & Media

123 x cream resin airframe parts, 7 x black resin undercarriage parts, 1 x Eduard coloured photo-etch (PE) fret of 34 parts, 1 x plain PE fret of 83 parts, 2 x vac-from acetate canopies & 1x  Eduard pre-cut mask

Price:

Available online from Hannants for £28.69, Red Roo Models for AUD$65.00,  Westcoast Hobbys for CDN$49.00 and various other CMR stockists.

Review Type:

First Look

Advantages:

Highly detailed and very comprehensive kit.

Disadvantages:

Conclusions:

The definitive DH Venom in 1/72 scale. Suited to modellers with some resin and multi-media experience.  A superb kit.

Reviewed by Mark Davies


HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com

 

Background

 

The Venom FB.4 was a straightforward development of the Venom FB.1, replacing its 4,850 lb thrust Ghost engine with a more powerful 5,150 lb thrust Ghost 105.

It also incorporated power-operated ailerons, which improved the roll rate and stall characteristics, as well as improving handling at high Mach numbers at high altitude.

The most notable external differences between the FB.1 and FB.4 are the different fin and rudder shape that was changed to improve yaw characteristics, and the fitment of under-wing drop tanks. 250 Venom FB.4’s were built and operated by the RAF.

 

 

FirstLook

 

CMR’s Venom FB.1 was reviewed earlier by me on Hyperscale and can be seen by following this link.

About 98% of the FB.1 review applies equally to the FB.4 kit. The only real differences in parts is the absence of the early fixed seat and its associated cockpit bulkhead, the addition of two large under wing drop tanks, and of course the different fin and rudder shape mentioned above.

These differences aside, the packaging is as described in the earlier article for the FB.1, as is instruction format. However in this case a highly detailed photo walkaround with numerous close-ups of a Swiss Venom FB.4 is provided, along with some operational photos of RAF Venom FB’4’s.

Markings for four RAF schemes are included. One is for an aerobatics team aircraft with in overall white with red rudders, wingtip and drop tanks, plus 60 Sqn’s black squadron bars and silver lightning bolts. The other three all have Dark Green, Dark Sea Grey and PRU Blue camouflage. However one is in a colourful 249 Sqn Operation Musketeer scheme with black and yellow invasion stripes.

 

 

The other two are for Nos 60, & 266 Sqns featuring squadron bars and wingtip tank flashes

 

 

Conclusion

 

Like the Venom FB.1, this is a superbly executed kit, and is highly recommended.

 

CMR Models are available online from Hannants in the UK,
Red Roo Models in Australia and quality specialist model retailers worldwide.

Text Copyright © 2009 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 15 March, 2009
Last updated 16 March, 2009

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