In Box Review of Airfix 1/72nd Scale Gloster Meteor III
Kit no. 268
By Ray Mehlberger
OUT OF PRODUCTION
My kit has a copyright date of 1970. I paid $1.29 for it back then.
By Ray Mehlberger
OUT OF PRODUCTION
My kit has a copyright date of 1970. I paid $1.29 for it back then.
HISTORY:
The Meteor was the only Allied aircraft to go into action in World War II and was the first jet to enter squadron service with the R.A.F. The prototype Meteor I first flew in July 1943, two years after the experimental Gloster E28/39 with Whittle's first British jet. Producton Meteor III's with more powerful engines were delivered to N.616 Squadron and operated from bases in Holland during 1945. They never had the opportunity of engaging any of the Luftwaffe's jet fighters and were used mainly for ground attack. Powered by two 2,000 lb. s.t. Rolls-Royce Derwent turbojets, the Meteor III had a maximum speed of 490 m.p.h. Armament consisted of four 20 mm cannon. Wing span was 43 ft. and length was 41 ft. 3 ins.
THE KIT:
Airfix is a old prolific model company based in the UK. They manufacture all manner of model subjects in the popular scales.
This kit came in a tray and lid type box that was not cello-bagged. It is held shut with strips of tape.
The box art shows a Meteor strafing an armor group that is on a snow covered ground.
The Meteor is in a wave pattern of slate-grey and green over light-grey under surface.
It has a duck egg green fuselage band and fuselage code of YQ (roundel) Q.
One side panel has 2 color box arts of other aircraft kits that Aircraft markets: a Bronco and a Harrier. No kit numbers are shown or better descriptions for these 2. I assume that they are both to 1/72nd scale.
Between the 2 box arts is a plug for you to use Airfix brand paint and cement to build the kit.
The other side panel shows 2 more box arts: a Mosquito and a F.W. 189. Again, no kit numbers or better nomenclatures.
The Meteor was the only Allied aircraft to go into action in World War II and was the first jet to enter squadron service with the R.A.F. The prototype Meteor I first flew in July 1943, two years after the experimental Gloster E28/39 with Whittle's first British jet. Producton Meteor III's with more powerful engines were delivered to N.616 Squadron and operated from bases in Holland during 1945. They never had the opportunity of engaging any of the Luftwaffe's jet fighters and were used mainly for ground attack. Powered by two 2,000 lb. s.t. Rolls-Royce Derwent turbojets, the Meteor III had a maximum speed of 490 m.p.h. Armament consisted of four 20 mm cannon. Wing span was 43 ft. and length was 41 ft. 3 ins.
THE KIT:
Airfix is a old prolific model company based in the UK. They manufacture all manner of model subjects in the popular scales.
This kit came in a tray and lid type box that was not cello-bagged. It is held shut with strips of tape.
The box art shows a Meteor strafing an armor group that is on a snow covered ground.
The Meteor is in a wave pattern of slate-grey and green over light-grey under surface.
It has a duck egg green fuselage band and fuselage code of YQ (roundel) Q.
One side panel has 2 color box arts of other aircraft kits that Aircraft markets: a Bronco and a Harrier. No kit numbers are shown or better descriptions for these 2. I assume that they are both to 1/72nd scale.
Between the 2 box arts is a plug for you to use Airfix brand paint and cement to build the kit.
The other side panel shows 2 more box arts: a Mosquito and a F.W. 189. Again, no kit numbers or better nomenclatures.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX:
This kit contains 4 medium grey parts trees, loose medium-grey wing and fuselage halves. 2 clear trees, the decal sheet, instructions and a custormer service coupon.
The instructions consist of a single sheet printed on both sides in 10" x 6 1/2" page form, folded three times to fit the box.
The face side of the instructions has the history of the Meteor in English, French and German, over GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS, international assembly symbol explanations, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS and the first 2 assembly steps.
The reverse side of the instructions continues with a total of 5 assembly steps. The 5th step being the painting and marking instruction showing a 3-view of the box art scheme (already described above). No unit for this aircraft is provided.
The 1st medium-grey tree holds: the cockpit floor and rear wall, the pilot, landing gear struts, antenna, dashboard and seat (8 parts)
This kit contains 4 medium grey parts trees, loose medium-grey wing and fuselage halves. 2 clear trees, the decal sheet, instructions and a custormer service coupon.
The instructions consist of a single sheet printed on both sides in 10" x 6 1/2" page form, folded three times to fit the box.
The face side of the instructions has the history of the Meteor in English, French and German, over GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS, international assembly symbol explanations, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS and the first 2 assembly steps.
The reverse side of the instructions continues with a total of 5 assembly steps. The 5th step being the painting and marking instruction showing a 3-view of the box art scheme (already described above). No unit for this aircraft is provided.
The 1st medium-grey tree holds: the cockpit floor and rear wall, the pilot, landing gear struts, antenna, dashboard and seat (8 parts)
The 2nd medium-grey tree holds: the nose wheel,air brakes, nose gear compartment doors (8 parts)
The 2nd medium-grey tree holds: the nose wheel,air brakes, nose gear compartment doors (8 parts)
The 3rd medium-grey tree holds: main wheel with their legs, main gear compartment doors (6 parts)
The 4th medium-grey tree holds: the elevators, engine air intake parts and exhaust cones (8 parts)
The 4th medium-grey tree holds: the elevators, engine air intake parts and exhaust cones (8 parts)
Next is the the medium-grey fuselage and wing halves.
The 1st clear part is the cockpit canopy.
The 2nd clear tree is the display stand (2 parts)
The decal sheet, instructions and customer service coupon complete the kits contents.
Control surfaces are all molded solid and the cockpit canopy is molded shut. Panel lines are all of the raised variety.
Parts trees are not cello bagged. They are not illustrated in the instructions or alphabetized. They do however have part number tabs next to the parts on the trees.
This is a neat kit of Britain's first jet fighter.
Highly recommended
Parts trees are not cello bagged. They are not illustrated in the instructions or alphabetized. They do however have part number tabs next to the parts on the trees.
This is a neat kit of Britain's first jet fighter.
Highly recommended
I bought my kit for a literal song at my local hobby shop that went out of business.