Revell's 1:48 Ventura II kit released.

[trx850]

Hi to all. Revell have at last released their 1:48 Ventura II kit.

www.revell.com/model-kits/aircraft/85-5533.html#.UzyUgNzyvN9


I've downloaded the instructions from their site, and have the following comments:

It doesn't appear to include the Martin Turret (just the BP one) so can only be built as an RAF aircraft, not an RB-34 in RNZAF service! The Martin turret may be in there, but until we see some sprue shots, well....
It also has US type bombs, but does have the RAF type bomb carriers! Not unknown for the RAF to use the US bombs, but would have been nice to see a new set of the RAF 250 and 500lb ones!!!!

The two decal options are AE939 GS B of No.454 Squadron, and Leonard Trent's AJ209 EG V of No.487 Squadron, so a good antipodean link.

One interesting item is the inclusion of paint masks! It will be very interesting to see how well those work.

Cheers,
Pete M.

[dewobz]

Thanks for the link Pete.
I'm also hoping the Martin turret is in there but I suspect not.
For the moment that probably means canabalizing a PV-1 kitset or seeing if Revell will supply the Martin turret as a spare part.
Of interest to folks considering an RB-34 build might be Xtradecals X48097 Lockheed Vega-PV-1 Ventura.
www.hannants.co.uk/product/X48097
This peculiar decal set contains AE939 GS-B codes, serials & artwork, now included in the Revell kitset, and, amongst other oddities, 6 x RNZAF roundels all with yellow rings (possibly?) suitable for RB-34 NZ4600 [and perhaps other home based RB-34s?] but no reference at all to these roundels or the aircraft in the instructions. Two of these roundels constitute fuselage roundels for NZ4511 (4512) "Slippery Sam" for which, in my opinion, the blue-white-blue ratio is incorrect.
The kitset is already for sale at megamodel -
www.megahobby.com/venturamkiirafbomber.aspx
I eagerly await a first look or build review.
Cheers
Wally.

[Calum]

Pointed out on another modelling forum



The 454 Sqn option is actually 464 Sqn. It's also called 454 Sqn RAF whereas the other option is 487 Sqn Royal Newzealand(SP) Air Force


Any comments on the accuracy of the profiles?

Instructions here

manuals.hobbico.com/rmx/85-5533.pdf

[Calum]

Checking out some photos on ADF serials.

This photo is noted as a 464 Sqn aircraft

www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/464-Ventura/IWM_HU_81281

However in the book "The Reich Intruders" the same aircraft is said to be a 487 Sqn aircraft



Here's another shot of 487 Sqn Venturas from the same book in which EG H appears to be a AE serial (downlaod and zoom in)



Finally a shot of 487 Sqn with Leonard Trent

[dewobz]

Received notification recently of Alley Cat UK's release of a corrected canopy with blisters, which are apparently missing from the kit canopy. Available from A2Zee Models UK
www.a2zeemodels.co.uk/alley-cat-aircraft-sets-148-scale-232-c.asp
Cheers
Wally.