Classic Airframes new 1/48 scale
Vampire Night Fighter

by Phil Hale
 

  

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Vampire Night Fighter may be ordered online from Squadron
 

For a detailed examination of the kit contents, see my in-box review here on HyperScale.

This is Classic Airframes’ new 1/48 scale Vampire Night Fighter.

This is basically the same kit as the other two seat Vampires released by Classic Airframes, but this version includes a new canopy and nose section with the radar bump under the nose.

No cutting is required to convert the kit to the night fighter but you will need to take your time fitting the nose gear well/cannon bay (R13) to the nose area. I had to cut away the upper part nose gear well to fit under the cockpit. Things are tight in this area so test fit often. I had to fill the upper wing to fuselage seam but it is easy to reach. I replaced the exhaust pipe with plastic tube and thinned the trailing edges.

You’ll need to trim the forward edge of the canopy to get a good fit. I would recommend vacuum forming a new canopy especially if you are going to open it, as the cockpit is really nice and it is a shame to hide it behind a closed canopy. The canopy is thick but after polishing it is very clear.

Be sure to put weights in the nose and with the new bigger radome area, there is plenty of room. The landing gear is sturdy enough to hold a lot of weight.

The model was painted RAF Medium Sea Gray and Dark Green.

Classic gives you three decal options, two RAF and an Italian Night Fighter. The schemes are plain but after all they are night fighters. I picked 151 Squadron circa 1952 with the medium blue and white squadron markings.
 

Classic Airframes’ 1/48 scale Vampire Night Fighter is not a Tamiya “shake and bake” kit but it can be built up into a very nice model. It has a lot of nice detail but yet there is plenty of room for super detailers to have a field day.

I’m looking forward to the Venom family, especially the Sea Venom.

Thanks to Classic Airframes for the sample.

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2006 by Phil Hale
Page Created 16 November, 2006
Last Updated 15 November, 2006

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