Avro Anson Mk.I
Late Version  & Late Export Versions
 

Classic Airframes, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Anson Mk.I is available online from Squadron.com

The Avro Anson was derived from the civilian Model 652 transport aircraft. In 1936, the Anson earned the distinction of being the both the first monoplane and the first type with retractable undercarriage in RAF service. The Anson initially performed the anti-submarine and reconnaissance roles, but was relegated to navigation and gunnery training duties as the war progressed. Perhaps its most important responsibility was as the nursery to new pilots and aircrew throughout the Commonwealth under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

Despite its important role in the Second World War and beyond, and a total production run in excess of 10,000 examples, the Avro Anson is a sadly neglected subject in styrene. Before now, there has not been a single injection-moulded Anson kit in 1/48 scale, and only the Airfix Mk.I in 1/72. Classic Airframes' new series of Anson kits is therefore a real breath of fresh air to RAF and Commonwealth aviation fans.

The early version Anson Mk.I was released back in July. The two kits covered in this review represent the late version of the Anson Mk.I. The main difference between these versions was that the windscreen of the late version was less sharply raked (ie, the front was fixed at a more vertical angle.

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale late Mk.I Avro Anson kits each comprises 51 parts in grey styrene; 68 parts in cream colored resin; 15 clear injection molded parts; instructions; plus a decal sheet and painting guide.

Plastic parts are moulded to the same very high standard as the early Mk.I. The surface of these plastic parts has a satin texture. There are no moulding imperfections on any of the exterior surfaces. The surface texture mostly represents fabric, and it is very well done. I especially like the restrained approach adopted on the fuselage and fin. Where appropriate, panel lines are crisply recessed and consistent while other structural features stand proud of the fabric surface. The overall effect is quite convincing.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Resin parts are very nicely detailed. The bulk of these details are for the cockpit, including extensive framing inside the fuselage, but the undercarriage bays, wheels, engines and characteristic nacelles are also supplied in resin.

The high level of detail in the cockpit is justified by its visibility inside the large fuselage windows. Classic Airframes supplies seats, navigator's table, radio gear, dickie seat next to the pilot and cushion for a prone observer in the nose. The turret is a mini-model in its own right, with 13 parts in grey plastic, resin and clear.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Some of the parts are cast onto fairly stout blocks so a combination of a good razor saw and caution will be required when preparing these resin components.

Clear parts are well moulded and distortion free - very important for this glasshouse canopy and fuselage. The windscreen is moulded to part of the forward fuselage, which will make painting easier. The long windows for the rear cabin are also moulded as an integral part of the mid-upper fuselage, adding strength and also minimizing the risk of smudging these clear parts with glue during painting.

Options include glazed or partially covered nose cone, turret or faired-over fuselage, leading-edge landing lights and various avionics alternatives (aerials, DF loop, astrodome etc). Control surfaces are moulded in place, with separate photo-etched hinges and actuators.

The only omission appears to be the clear-covered DF "football" required for one of the options in the Export kit, so you'll have to source that from your spares box.

The kit is broken down conventionally - fuselage halves, wing halves etc - but there are no locating pins or tabs. Sprue attachment points are narrow, but there is a fair bit of flash on some of the smaller parts.

The shape of the model looks accurate compared to published plans and contemporary photographs.

Decals for both kit releases are printed in perfect register, and colours look good.

4118 - Avro Anson Mk.I Late Version Markings

Three marking options are supplied for kit number 4118:

• 500 Sqn RAF, Delting UK circa June 1940, finished in Dark Green, Dark Earth and Aluminium

• Royal Canadian Air Force circa 1942, with large yellow panels on the wings and fuselage, plus yellow lower surfaces.

• Royal Canadian Air Force, circa 1942, finished in overall Trainer Yellow.

4118 - Anson Mk.I Late Export Version Markings

Four marking options are offered:

• Turkish Air Force 1940 in Dark Green upper surfaces, Sky Blue lower surfaces and red rudder

• 5 SFTS RAAF, Uranquinity, NSW, circa 1945 in overall Yellow

• RAAF Survey Flight circa 1946 in overall Aluminium

• Greek Air Force, Africa, circa 1941 in Dark Gree, Dark earth and Black undersurfaces.

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Anson is an impressively detailed kit of one of the neglected workhorses of the Second World War. With a recommended price of USD$55.00, it is quite a bargain too, especially considering the very high resin content.

The relatively small number of plastic parts belie the complexity of the kit. You will need experience before tackling this project due to the extensive use of resin and the lack of locating pins. However, with care and plenty of test-fitting, Classic Airframes' Anson should not present much more of a challenge than most other twin-engine mainstream kits.

You won't have to spend a cent on after-market accessories though, thanks to the very high level of detail in the cockpit, and the ample markings options.

I finished the early version Anson earlier this year (pictured below), and it was a pleasure to build.

The only significant difference compared to this new kit is the forward canopy/windscreen, so the experience should be the same when building these new Anson kits. With adequate time spent on preparation and alignment, you will have an accurate, well-detailed and attractive model of an Avro Anson in your collection.

Highly Recommended to experienced modellers.
 

Thanks to Classic Airframes for the review sample.

Classic Airframes kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers and from Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2006 by Brett Green
Page Created 18 December, 2006
Last updated 21 February, 2007

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