Great Wall Hobbies 1/144 Victor B.2 Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | November 2014 | Manufacturer | Great Wall Hobby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Victor B.2 | Scale | 1/144 |
| Kit Number | 1004 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Beautifully done model of this distinctive aircraft | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $49.99 |
First Look
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The Handley Page Victor was one of three bomber types built as part of Great Britain's V-Bomber force as part of the Cold War nuclear deterrant. Each of the V-bombers was required to be able to scramble away from their bases in very quick time due to the much shorter time of flight for incoming bombers or missiles that might strike the UK. In the case of the Victor, the B.1 was powered by four non-afterburning Sapphire engines that gave the aircraft the ability to speed away from home and provide an appropriate response to any hostility.
The Victor was upgraded to the B.2 configuration powered by four Conway turbofans which required intake modifications and the aircraft was also fitted with extended wingtips. In 1956, the Victor B.2 was the largest aircraft to exceed Mach 1 and the aircraft maintained its stability throughout the speed excursion. When wing cracks were discovered in the Victor fleet, the aircraft was withdrawn from bomber duties with a number of them roled initially as strike reconnaissance platforms and later as tankers. Victor supported long range combat operations in the Falklands and again in Desert Storm before being retired in 1993.
Great Wall Hobby is back with its latest release - the Handley Page Victor B.2 and it has some very nice detailing. While not the first kit of this subject in 1/144, it is the first in styrene. Anigrand produced the Victor in 1/144 in resin like Lindberg did the Victor in 1/96 scale in styrene. This kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on six parts trees plus one small tree of clear parts. Among the features and options in this kit:
- Basic flight deck to see through the greenhouse enclosure
- Nicely detailed engine intakes
- Positionable speed brakes
- Nicely detailed landing gear
- Slipper-styled external fuel tanks
Markings are provided for four examples:
- Victor B.2, XM714, 100 Sqn, RAF, 1963
- Victor B.2, XH675, 100 Sqn, RAF, 1964
- Victor B.2, XL190, 139 Sqn, RAF, 1964
- Victor B.2, XL162, 139 Sqn, RAF, 1962
Painting instructions are provided in the Gunze Creos color standard.
This is the nicest Victor kit produced to date and I imagine that we'll see another version of this kit with the additional tanker parts included.
My sincere thanks to Great Wall Hobbies for this review sample!