Magna Models 1/72 Vickers F5/34 Venom

An interesting British fighter prototype of the 1930's, the Vickers type 279 Venom was built to specification F5/34. With an all metal stressed skin construction, eight machine gun armament and a retractable undercarriage, it was of modern design. It first flew on 17^th June 1936, piloted by Joseph “Mutt” Summers. It was powered by the then experimental Bristol Aquila.

It was relegated as an 'also ran' by the first flight, also by Captain Summers, of the Spitfire prototype some three months earlier. No series production was made. The prototype was scrapped in 1939 following a crash.

Another of Magna's British prototype models, coming in their usual top opening box, there are nine resin parts, nine white metal parts, vacformed canopy and side windows and a piece of wire. As usual with Magna, there are spare transparencies supplied. As is also usual there are no decals.

 The resin parts have substantial pouring stubs, flash, bubbles, resin blobs, surface lumps and divots. There is fine engraved line detailing, and they appear otherwise well formed. The white metal parts have flash and mould joint steps. The clear parts are thick, not very clear and have poorly defined framing lines.

 The instructions are two A4 sheets, with a short history and specification, parts diagram, construction and painting notes. There is also a full page photograph of the prototype.

 A minor problem with the kit is the engine, A sleeve valved Bristol Aquila, is moulded as seven cylinders, it should be nine.

 Started as usual by cleaning up the pouring lugs and flash, then washed the resin parts in warm soapy water. Assembled the cockpit, not a big job, just added the white metal control stick to the floor, which I had thinned and shortened to fit into the cavity moulded in the fuselage sides. I added the white metal instrument panel to a fuselage half. The cockpit floor had a detailed seat, with straps and adjustment handle, rudder pedals, elevator trim wheel, throttle and an oxygen tank moulded in. I painted this and the fuselage cavity light grey. Then I detail painted the cockpit in a variety of colours. Painted the instrument panel dark grey, leaving the recessed instruments unpainted metal.

Joined up the fuselage, got a good match along the top and a small step under the tail. Filled the joint with superglue and sanded clean. Added the wings, cowling and tail surfaces, not a great fit, and had another fill and sand session.

I wanted to represent an operational aircraft, from 1939, when non-standard marking and camouflage was common.

I made up a scheme using flat earth and dark green topsides, in a non standard pattern, with sky under-surfaces. Scrounged roundels and a code letter from the spares stash. Then an overall spray of Testors Dullcote.

 Added all the white metal bits, most of which needed a fair bit of cleaning up. A bit more detail painting, then added the vac-formed canopy. I used Krystal Klear for the side windows.

 A fairly straightforward build of a neat little fighter. It looks like an antique alongside the Spitfire and Hurricane which were it's close contemporaries.

 Recommended for all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Venom

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Aquila

Peter Burstow

June 2013

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