Trumpeter 1/48 Supermarine Attacker F.1 Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The Supermarine Attacker was designed in response to 1944 Specification E.10/44 for a quick-build fighter that would use the Rolls Royce Nene engine. Supermarine's approach to this quick turnaround requirement was to use the existing wing and landing gear of the Spiteful.

The first prototype flew in July 1946 built to RAF specifications while the second and third prototypes were built to FAA specifications for carrier operations. The aircraft was eventually purchased for the Royal Navy as well as for the Royal Pakistan Air Force.

The FAA received three versions of the aircraft: the F.1 fighter, and the FB.1 and FB.2 fighter-bombers. The RPAF operated F.1 variants without the folding wings or other naval-unique equipment.

In the end, 181 Attackers were produced, with the first entering service in 1951 after a number of bugs were worked out of the aircraft.

It was interesting to see this subject first released over seven years ago by Classic Airframes as it seemed to be a perfect subject for a limited run kit in 1/48 scale. So imagine my surprise to see Trumpeter produce this kit also in 1/48 scale. Unlike the Classic Airframes kit, this will be a far easier build and offers more details and features at a less expensive price.

Molded in gray styrene, this kit is presented on three parts trees plus one small clear tree containing the canopy and windscreen. One small fret of photo-etched details round out the kit.

So let's get to the features and options:

• Usable cockpit
• Ejection seat has photo-etched shoulder harness and seat belts
• Positionable canopy
• Wings can be posed in flight position or folded
• Positionable landing flaps
• Optional ventral external fuel tank

The instrument panel is represented by a decal which isn't an issue with a closed canopy, but if you'll want to add a little more detail inside the cockpit if the canopy is open.

The kit provides markings for two subjects:

• Attacker F.1, WA496, 800 Sqn, J/101, HMS Eagle, 1953
• Attacker F.1, WP493, 800 Sqn, J/106, HMS Eagle, 1953

Markings are provided on a single sheet which unfortunately has the red dots in the roundels off-center on my example.

Out of the box, this kit will be a really simple build that has some nice detailing. The AMS modeler will want to dress up this kit and if you happened to grab one of the bagged Classic Airframe kits to stash away several years ago, you'll have a load of resin details and nice decals to really take this model to the next level. Either way, this kit will make for a nice change on the contest table.

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!