The Consolidated PB4Y-1 was the navy version of the B-24 Liberator. Whereas the Army Air Corps used letter designations to identify the various versions of the B-24 (B-24D or B-24J for example) the US Navy used the same designation (PB4Y-1) for all models until the single-tail PB4Y-2. This means that the glaze-nosed B-24D and the turret-nosed B-24J were both called PB4Y-1 in Navy parlance. The kit reviewed here is the PB4Y-1 version of the B-24D.

Minicraft’s kit comes in a small, sturdy, top-opening box. The cover illustration is of a US Navy PB4Y-1 from VB-103, England, 1943. Inside are four sprues, two in light gray, and two in clear. There are thirty-eight light gray parts and thirteen in clear. The fuselage is for a B-24J, but a replacement nose, molded in clear, is included to convert to a D model. Instructions are simple and clear, with assembly broken into six simple steps. Two large diagrams cover the paint and decal schemes. Model Master Paints are called out.

Aircraft and History

The Focke-Wulf Fw-190 series aircraft may be the best German fighter aircraft in WWII. Developed by Kurt Tank in the late 1930’s, it proved itself in combat over France in 1941. The first Fw-190’s had a radial engine but later on, an inverted V-12 engine was installed and the Fw-190D series was born. This subject, Fw-190D-10 is an interesting subject, only two prototypes were produced and the D-10 did not make it to production. Many of the featured used on the D-10 were later used on the TA 152.

Kit

This kit has superb detail inside and out. Cockpit detail is nice and some photo etch is provided. The real gem is inside the wheel bays, you can see the back of the engine and super charger components. All of the control surfaces except the elevator can be displayed in a deflected position.

Background

One of the most recognizable Allied vehicles of World War II was the Jeep – or ¼ Ton 4x4 Truck. Outfitted for a variety of roles, one of the most dashing was the role of British Special Air Services (SAS) “raider” operating far behind enemy lines. Equipped with extra fuel tanks, Vickers machine guns, and bullet-proof driver and passenger windshields, the SAS Jeeps were lightweight, agile, rugged vehicles well-suited for commando operations focused on disrupting enemy activity.