Airfix 1/48 Anson I

The type was placed into service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was initially used in the envisaged maritime reconnaissance operation alongside the larger flying boats. After the outbreak of the Second World War the Anson was soon found to have become obsolete in front line combat roles. Large numbers of the type were instead put to use as a multi-engined aircrew trainer, having been found to be suitable for the role, and became the mainstay of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The type continued to be used in this role throughout and after the conflict, with later variants remaining in RAF service as a trainer and communications aircraft until 28 June 1968.

From my recollection, it wasn't until Classic Airframes produced this one in its short run line that a 1/48 Anson was generally available outside of vacuforms. The kit has sold fairly well and is part of Hornby's continual goal of producing new tool kits each year.

When you open the box, you are greeted (Hello) by a mass of sprues. It is quite obvious from how full the box is that this is a parts intensive kit. The interior is quite detailed and there are a considerable number of parts required to build it. Thanks to the large number of side windows, you'll see a lot of what is there so it is a good ideal to take your time building it. There are wing spars built into the interior and the fuselage interior framework is included. You do have the option between a single and dual control aircraft. There are a number of drawings that are dedicated to ensuring that you get all the bits and pieces properly aligned. This is greatly appreciated.

Once the fuselage halves have trapped the interior in place, then the upper and lower fuselage pieces are attached. Part of the lower fuselage inserts is the horizontal stabilizer. Both the elevators and rudder are separate.

Building then turns to the wings. First the wheel wells have to be assembled and again, these are fairly complex. Once done and installed in the lower wing, the lower wings are glued on the fuselage. Then the upper wings are attached. Work then moves to the engine nacelles, ailerons and the engines. The cowlings are in three sections and the cylinder bumps on them are also separate. When those are done, they are attached to the nacelles. The last steps are the clear pieces, the landing gear, various antennas, props, and the turret.

Instructions are excellent with lots of clear construction drawings. Naturally color info is all Humbrol numbers so for some you'll need a chart, which you can find on line. Markings are for three aircraft all with dark green/dark earth upper surfaces. The box art plane has silver undersides and is with 500 Squadron in 1940. Next is an RAAF plane with white undersides and sides. This was used in experimental camouflage trials. Finally a plane based in Canad with the BCATP that has yellow undersides. Many BCATP planes had the turret removed and sheathed over or had the armament removed as it wasn't needed. The large decal sheet is nicely printed and there are aftermarket sheets if you so desire.

This should make into a superb model when done. It has enough detail to satisfy most modelers and will make for an interesting addition to any collection of WWII RAF aircraft.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Anson

July 2023

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