Classic Airframes 1/48 Fairey Gannet AS1

  • Built: 2008
  • Enhancements: F.A.A. Models resin Weapons bay
  • Decals: Combination of kit and sure numbers

Not one of Classic Airframes best models, the resin suffers from some shrinkage meaning the resin wheelbays are a teeny bit smaller than the bay openings, and the nose cowl is markedly smaller than the nose. The canopies also will not sit in the open position over the spine. On the plus side, its a 48 scale Gannet! Revell, Frog and Trumpeter have done kits in 72 scale, but 48 injection moulded kits are decidedly lacking. Also, it includes Royal Australian Navy decals, as did a lot of C.A releases. Overall, they were pretty kind to us modellers of Aussie subjects. The rear cockpit details are a bit of a fantasy, but I can live with that. The resin Bomb bay fit like a glove and was a very well cast piece of resin. It certainly adds some weight to the kit. The model was finished with Xtracolour paints as this is was my paint of choice at the time. Im really hoping for a new tool kit of this interesting aeroplane, hopefully Airfix will oblige us, as they are about the only manufacturer I can see doing it. Folded wings would be nice too please

Fairey Gannet AS1 816 SQN Royal Australian Navy

F.A.A. H.M.A.S. Melbourne 1962