Built to a 1945 specification for a jet powered light bomber, the Canberra (first flying in 1949) went on to not only have a very long life, but also to be the first really successful British jet bomber. As with the Mossie, the Canberra was unarmed and relied on its high speed to escape defending aircraft. Thanks to its broad, high aspect ratio wing, the Canberra was not only speedy, but also quite maneuverable and able to reach very high altitudes.

Though originally designed as a two man aircraft, the fifth prototype was built to B.2 standards and included a third crew member. After a number of record breaking flights, the Canberra started entering RAF service in 1951 with 101 Squadron. Squadrons soon converted over the the Canberra and it was not long until it was used in action; first in 1955 in Malaya and again the next year in the Suez war of 1956.

In 1955 the V-bombers started coming into use and Canberras were slowly withdrawn from Bomber Command and converted to tactical strike operations. The final Canberra B.2/6 left Bomber Command in 1961 and were finally withdrawn from all RAF service in 1970. Other variants of the Canberra continued for much longer than that and even today (2002), there are Canberras in service with the RAF and other military units.

If you have read the preview of their earlier F-86, then this kit will not be a surprise. The kit comes in the usual header bag, though this time the kit has a bit of room in there! The three sprues are molded in the same brown plastic as previous releases. The kit also has fine engraved panel lines and relatively thick sprue attachment points. A tad bit of flash can be found on some parts, but nothing too terrible.

There is a full interior comprising a seat, stick, instrument panel and floor. You are given two vac canopies to use which will allow you to see into the interior when done. Care needs to be taken when removing the control column as it is VERY thin and fragile. While there are no real options on the model, there are a second set of main gear doors so you can display the plane in flight. No stand is supplied. The tip tanks are so designed that you can leave them off should you decide. While thereis not any nose weight suggested, you will need some as every Canberra I've built has needed a healthy amount. Clear nose sections are offered should you wish to use them, and really, they are a feature of the B.2 You could leave it off and do a T.4, but you'll have to scrounge markings from another source. Main gear struts are molded into the doors, a sensible precaution for a kit of this scale.

The instruction sheet is basically an exploded view, which is more than adequate in this scale. There is a note about test fitting all parts before gluing and I can only echo that as being the wise thing to do. Markings are for three aircraft. One is a 3 SQ RAAF plane in overall silver with a white upper fuselage and fin. Next is a 45 Sq RAF version in grey/green upper surfaces and medium blue grey undersides. Finally a USAF RB-57A from the 363 trg in overall gloss black. The decals appear to have been done on an Alps printer. They are very well done and have a single carrier so will need cut from the sheet. Take care with these as Alps decals are easily scratched. Mine had a few. However, they should work just fine.

Those that like the small scale aircraft will really enjoy this one. OzMods has an uncanny way of producing what folks are looking for in terms of military aircraft models. I'm sure that this one will find favor with many modelers.  It will be most interesting to see what they can come up with next.

For more information on this and other kits and detail sets from OzMods, you may e-mail them at the link below.

Kit courtesy of OZMODS. Thank you for your support.

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