I would like to build a Lockheed Hudson for my Coastal Command collection and I have found that the old Airfix kit gets very poor reviews. I have some experience cross-reference British names with the manufacturer’s name, but I need some help on this one.
I have already determine that the Ventura is not the same aircraft and was a successor to the Hudson. However, I also see kits on EBay for the Vega PV-1, I think. Is this a different plane from the Hudson too? I have a pretty good reference library and the official Lockheed designations were Model B14L or later 214.
If both the Vega and Ventura were not the Hudson, can anyone recommend a kit other than Airfix that is later generation and of better quality?
Thanks in advance.
The PV-1 is a Ventura. I think Vega is an alternative builder to Vega - a subsidiary? Dunno…but its definetly not a Hudson! The PV-1 was an American Ventura in naval service.
I did a quick search on Hannants in the UK (don’t know where you are…) and in Future Releases they list a Hudson Mk.1 due to be released by MPM, which will certainly be worth a look.
Hope that helped,
Keith
Classic Airframes has a Hudson Mk I, but it is 1/48. For 1/72, I think I’d wait for the new offering from MPM.
Regards, Rick
Thanks guys. I will wait for the MPM kit.
The US Navy equivalent of the Hudson was the PBO and it operated 20 while the USAAF version was the A-29 and they operated 153. All versions were powered by the Wright R-1820 engine of 1100 hp. The design was based upon the Lockheed Electra.
The Ventura or PV-1 was a larger version of the basic Hudson design, powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 rated at 2000 hp and was based on the L-18 Lodestar. The RAF received enough Ventura Is to equip a couple of squadrons, used them on a few daylight raids and sent them to Coastal Command. The USAAF operated the Ventura as the B-34 and the B-37(aircraft from the cancelled lend lease Venturas) Only the B-34 saw limited combat with the USAAF in the South Pacific. The US Navy operated 1800 PV-1s during the war.
The PV-2 Harpoon was an up-graded version of the PV-1 with the same basic design and engines but with an increase in span of 9.5 feet, larger fins and rudders, increased fuel capacity and up graded forward firing armarment. It’s max speed was 10 to 15 kts slower than the PV-1.