KIT:

Airfix 1/72 HS 125 Dominie

KIT #

389

PRICE:

$2.49 (in the late 60s)

DECALS:

One of three identical aircraft

REVIEW &
PHOTOS :

Scott Van Aken

NOTES:

 

HISTORY

Initially designed by deHavilland as the DH.125, when thecompany was absorbed into Hawker Siddley, it became the HS.125. When allaviation concerns were combined into one, it then became the British AerospaceBAe 125. Though hardly recognizable from the initial versions, the 125 is, Ibelieve, still being produced.

The aircraft was designed as a jet replacement for the Dove,which was a very early twin engined regional airliner. The aircraft maintainsroominess by actually having the wing run underneath the fuselage. There is afairing that fits around the wing to ensure a smooth airflow. It gives it asomewhat ungainly appearance from certain angles, as you can see from the boxart. 

The RAF had a need for an aircraft to use to train bomber andtransport navigators. The Dominie was the ticket as it was the right size,available and British. All Dominies were taken into 6 FTS, and until recently,wore this same white, red and grey paint scheme. While I haven't been keeping upwith things like this, I do believe that 6 FTS is no more and that the Dominiesare now in the black training scheme that in current with the RAF. 

THE KIT

 
The kit will look quite familiar to those who have built a number of Airfixkits. There is a minimal cockpit with two seats, two sticks and two pilots plusa rear bulkhead. There is no cabin at all, but the transparencies are thick sothat won't make any difference.

No rivets on this one, but thereare positionable flight control surfaces. The hinges are a bit large, but nottoo bad and if you don't like the movable surfaces, then simply glue them inplace. Like Airfix's airliners, the doors are separate though not designed to beposed open.

You can build it gear up if you wish as there is adisplay stand  provided. The engines are devoid of any detailing inside andhave not even compressor faces to look at.

Decals are given forany one of three aircraft. Actually, the first three delivered to the RAF.Simply change the last digit of the serial. The decals are by this time ratheryellow and a bit brittle. They can undoubtedly be saved by bleaching in the sunfor a few days followed by an application of Microscale decal film, but theroundels are out of register and will need replaced.

Instructionsare quite good and give a brief history as well as exploded diagrams in eachconstruction step. Colors are generic and refer to Humbrol paints.

Abit of a step into the past with this one. This is another of those Airfix kitsthat rarely sees the light of day and may be difficult to find. 

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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