Hobbycraft 1/48 Vampire

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hey gang,

I have a 1/48 Vampire by Hoobycraft in the stash. It has been there for YEARS and I’m determined to get at it sometime this year, likely over the summer or fall so I’ve got some time to play with.

I know the kit has issues - vague Hobbycraft detail, an issue with the angle of the wings and something about tail booms that are too skinny. I’m willing to put up with some issues just so I can have an odd subject sitting next to my '109s and Spits etc.

Does anyone have any experience with this kit? How are the options for aftermarket goodies? I’m thinking I’d like to improve the cockpit/canopy and landing gear, either by A/M or some scratchbuilding - thoughts?

Vance

2

Here’s a good link, Vance.

http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/allies/gb/ranvamp.htm

Please post pics when you get to that stage!

3

Hmm, interesting build with the twin-pusher prop “what-if”. Definitely stands out. And this builder successfully shimmed under the wings to change the angle, good to know. Thanks for that link mucker. Yes, once I get this one going, I’ll be posting pics of the wip.

And by the way, bless you Wikipedia!:

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Cockpit_of_de_Havilland_Vampire_FB_Mk_2_PNG.PNG&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cockpit_of_de_Havilland_Vampire_FB_Mk_2_PNG.PNG&usg=__eXuZ3dsB8tmauIZK9NpaHKcQZv4=&h=1653&w=2048&sz=3170&hl=en&start=28&itbs=1&tbnid=W3rfVyt1_FRSDM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddehavilland%2Bvampire%26start%3D21%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26sa%3DN%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26tbs%3Disch:1

4

Here’s what I did with mine! Visit my blog to see the back story as well as the progressive build.

As a Vampire, the kit is fair. It has great potential as a platform using aftermarket or for What-Ifs like this. At one stage I was thinking twin pusher as well but opted for MORE POWER!

5

There is a brass PE set out there from a UK company. i cant recall if it is Reheat or Aeroclub off the top of my head. And some decals from Xtradecals. I have both for my Mk 3 I have in the stash. But I have not tackled the kit yet so I can not comment on the build itself.

6

Hey Hawkeye - yes, I remember seeing the final pics of your machine (great job on that BTW). I am also thinking of cannibalizing, uhh, re-purposing, the kit to build something I found on lft46.com:

http://www.luft46.com/mess/melibel.html

I could make use of the cockpit area, one of the booms, split the stabilizer into a V and cut down the main wings… It would still accomplish my “I want something odd” thinking on this kit! And I’d likely have an easier time sourcing landing gear pics or upgrades for, say, a Me262 or 163 to use as a starting point.

Maybe I should put this kit up for a vote!? Fix the Vampire or build a what-if!

7

Thanks Stikpusher, good to know there are A/M helpers out there. I guess I need to find out how much the things cost & that will decide whether I go that route or not.

8

I picked both items up over 5 years ago, but I don’t think I payed more than $20 total for both. If that much. The PE was more costly than the decals. Due to the age of the kit, I thinkit will be more difficult to find them than it will be costly.