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Vickers FB5 'Gun Bus'

 

 

Pegasus


 Pegasus' 1/72 scale FB5 is available online at Squadron.com

 

S u m m a r y
Catalogue Number: 3009
Scale: 1/72
Contents and Media: 16 parts in short-run injection moulded styrene; 12 parts in pewter (white metal); 3 lengths of airfoil-section struts; 5 lengths of fine steel rod.
Price: USD$21.96 from Squadron.com
Review Type: First Look
Advantages: Interesting subject, subdued surface textures; high-quality plastic; delicately detailed pewter parts; interesting markings; minimal rigging.
Disadvantages: Ragged flash on some parts; modelling skills definitely required; additional references will be helpful; aligning boom will be a challenge
Recommendation: Recommended to experienced WWI modellers only

 

Reviewed by Brett Green

 

FirstLook

 

Pegasus' 1/72 scale kit of the Vickers FB5 Gun Bus comprises 16 parts in limited run, injection moulded plastic; 12 parts in white metal; 3 airfoil-profile struts and five lengths of steel rod.

The small number of parts belies the complexity of this model.

Parts such as the struts and control columns must be cut to length. Alignment of the wings and the tail boom will require significant patience and time. Indeed, it may be advisable to build a small jig to assist in the alignment of the boom struts and tail surfaces.

The quality of the plastic parts is very good, but ragged flash surrounds many of the parts. Fabric texture is subdued and convincing, while timber floorboard and structural details are depicted in the cockpit. 

The white metal is beautifully cast, with the engine being a real highlight. This is fortunate, as the engine is totally exposed at the back of the fuselage.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

 

Instructions are supplied on a small, double sided sheet. A single exploded-view diagram is provided on one side, and construction suggestions are called out over nine steps overleaf. Additional references will be helpful to supplement these basic instructions.

 

 

Markings are supplied for one aircraft. These are particularly interesting, as they depict a machine with both RAF roundels and the Union Flag. Furthermore, the white sections of the roundels and the flags have been left unpainted, so the doped fabric shows through in these areas.

 

 

Conclusion

 

The Vickers FB5 "Gun Bus" is a visually appealing and historically significant aircraft.

Pegasus' 1/72 scale model of the FB5 supplies all the components required for an experienced modeller to build a convincing replica. However, do not let the relatively small number of parts deceive you -  significant modelling skills will be required to clean-up, align and assemble this kit. The alignment of the boom will be a particular challenge.

Recommended to experienced WWI modellers.

Review and Images Copyright © 2001 by Brett Green
Page Created 28 December, 2001
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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