Airfix originally released this kit back in 1962 and I remember building this as a kid. The re-releases has a new box and Decal sheet but the model its self is un-changed from the kit 50 years ago. Some will find the kit un-refined by today’s standards but to many it’s a classic and should be considered as one.

In the box is:

• 4 sprues molded in light grey
• 1 clear sprue
• 4 Wing halves
• 1 decal sheet
• 1 instruction booklet

The sprues molded in the customary slightly soft grey plastic, the panel lines are raised and all the details are basic. There is some flash but not too much considering the age of the kit. There is no interior to the aircraft but that is the norm for this age of kit and at this scale does not distract from the kit. The clear windows are thick and have a lot of sink marks and I decided to use Crystal Clear on the build rather than use them.

Construction

This starts with you deciding if you want the passenger doors open or closed, also if you select open the kit includes the retractable stairs you can install. I decided not to have the doors open for two reasons, I like the stream line look of the doors closed and also if you select to have the doors open you will need to so some surgery on the decal on and around the doors later.

Once you have decide in the door position, then you assemble the fuselage, I did paint the interior black before assembly to give a better look once the aircraft is complete due to no interior.

The two fuselage halves did not fit too well and I had to remove the pins on the joint line to allow it to close up. Then I did a fair amount of filling to get a good seam line.

Next is the wing assembly which also need a bit of filling when joined to the fuselage. After this you install the cockpit glass which was a very bad fit and needed a lot of work to look anywhere good. Next the tail assembly which again needed some filling.

The engines are up next and the nacelles did need a lot of sanding to get a good shape and fit to wings.

Last main assembly work is on the undercarriage and the choice of wheels up or down, I selected down for display purposes. The landing gear has heavy seams and needs a lot of cleaning up and the landing gear doors are extremely thick and I suggest a lot of sanding or replacement.

Last is the Decals which livery to use, I went with the less know Invicta International design which I liked the look of.

Summary

For a very old kit this one has stood the test of time well and builds into a good representation of the classic Vickers Vanguard. It took a lot of work, filling and cleaning up the parts but well worth it. I would recommend this to any civil/commercial aircraft builder to add to the collection.

Thanks go to Stevens International for providing this kit to review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them.