Dragon has started producing kits in 1/200th scale of larger planes. This is a great idea for those who want a replica of a specific plane but don't have the shelf space for larger kits. This issue is the Avro Vulcan B.2 and comes with three grey plastic sprues and one small clear sprue. Molding is excellent and there are a little over 50 parts and half of it is landing gear and wheels. There is the option to build in-flight or on the ground. Two sets of markings are provided:

• No. 617 Squadron in overall white
• Scampton Air Wing, Lincolnshire 1970, in Green/Grey over white.

Work started with prepping the upper and lower fuselage sections. There is a two-piece cockpit to install (and teensy pilots if you want them). The bottom requires a plate for holding the Blue Steel nuclear bomb. Future variants could have bomb bays also. Fit is good and only a little filler is needed. I closed the crew hatch and ladder which are part of the kit. I wanted the lines to be smooth. For the top, I added the cockpit, tail and intake trunks. Fit was good again on all parts. I glued the fuselage shut and used a little filler on the front and, after one sanding, the plane was ready for paint.

I painted the bottom white and the top RAF Dark Green and Medium Sea Grey. While this dried, I assembled the landing gear and many wheels. The decals went on without any issues and I sealed with gloss coat. Once dry, I added the landing gear and hand painted the cockpit (more about that in a minute).

At this point, I made a personal choice. I did not add a wash to the panel lines. The panel lines are there and very petite but, since this is 1/200 scale, they should not be pronounced when looking at pictures, so I flat-coated the model and added the canopy. Which was painted wrong and that was only noticed when the review was being written. I neglected to see that the rear of the canopy is not clear but is painted (and the instructions are correct; I wasn't). At some point, I may pull it off but in the interest of getting the review posted, it can stay for now.

This is a great little kit and is recommended to everyone. It is certainly easy enough for children and could be further detailed and, OOB, it makes a great replica. My thanks go to Dragon Models USA for the sample kit and to IPMS/USA for the chance to build it.