1:144 Bristol Brigand B Mk.I

The Bristol Brigand B Mk.I in 1:144 from Valom

Valom is a Czech maker that has made its name with short-run injection-molded kits of less usual types of aircraft. The model of the Bristol Brigand B Mk.I in 1:144 scale belongs to its extensive range of twin-engined machines in this size. A small scale has a practical advantage: a finished model takes up a minimum of room in a display case and at the same time it makes it possible to stand a whole developmental line of related types side by side.

The real subject

The Bristol Brigand was a British twin-engined attack aircraft that stemmed in design from the Bristol Buckingham bomber. It was powered by a pair of Bristol Centaurus radial engines and it first flew while the Second World War was still on, but it reached squadron service with the Royal Air Force only in the postwar years. The B Mk.I version was the attack and bomber variant and it operated above all in overseas operations, among other places in Malaya and in the Middle East. The Brigand wrote itself in as the last piston-engined attack aircraft in operational service with the RAF, before jet machines took that role over.

Building and painting tips

With short-run kits it pays off to dry-fit the parts first and to adjust any overhangs carefully. The clear parts are better glued with a glue intended for canopies, which does not fog the surface. A smooth gloss base helps before the decals, because on small models every unevenness under a decal shows more markedly than in larger scales.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of British aircraft in 1:144 scale
• Modelers interested in the postwar service of the RAF
• Builders of display-case collections with small demands on room
• Anyone interested in short-run kits of less usual types

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.