by: Peter Allen [ ]
PLANET MODELS
This Czech Republic based company generally produce high quality, limited run resin kits of unusual and concept aircraft that are a match for most in this sector. Some newer kits have metal parts provided.
Planet models also have an extensive range of 1/72nd Armour/Military Vehicles and 1/200th Submarine kits.
BACKGROUND
The idea for a jet powered flying-boat fighter for Pacific Theatre use was first disscussed at Saunders Roe as early as 1943, culminating in the design being conceived as WW2 came to a close.
Test flights of the first prototype TG 263 began in July 1947, powered by two 3,250 lb. thrust Metropolitan Vickers Beryl M.V.B.1 turbojets housed in the hull, with a common intake in the nose with the outlets just aft of the wing.
The first prototype, which was the world’s first jet flying-boat, was followed by a second machine powered by two 3,500 lb. thrust Beryl M.V.B.2 turbojets and a third prototype powered by two 3,850 lb. thrust Beryl 1 (M.V.B.2) units. Test flights of the second and third prototypes TG 267 and TG271 were undertaken during 1948.
Trials resumed for a short period in 1950 with a final public appearance, when one aircraft landed on the Thames during the Festival of Britain in 1953.
The third prototype attained a maximum speed of 516 mph with an initial climb rate exceeding 4,000 ft/mm. Dimensions: Span- 46 ft. Length- 50 ft. Height- 16 ft. 9 in. Gross wing area- 415 sq. ft.  |  |
THE KIT
Type: All resin.
Even though this kit is one of Planets older issues, both Merlin and myself thought it worth reviewing as its such an unusual British aircraft and the kit is still available.
A little damage evident on port bottom of tail and the joystick. Not to difficult to fix.
RESIN PARTS
Parts:40
The fuselage is hollow cast in two halves. The insides are quite uneven so some sanding around the cockpit area will be necessary for detailing. Lots of room for weights to prevent tail-sitting.
Larger parts will need the casting trees removing but panel lines and detailing are good. On this model the casting trees are quite large.
Smaller parts are all up to a high standard for resin and as per usual come in large flash “flakes” to keep them safe when bagged and boxed. All parts need clean up and removing from “flakes”.  | | |
CLEAR PARTS
One vacuform canopy. So care is essential as there is only one chance to make it work.
DECALS
Decals for one of three aircraft provided. Look very nice. Some of the best I’ve seen from Planet.
INSTRUCTIONS
One double sided A4 sheet printed black and white. The instructions consist of one rather crudely drawn exploded view of all parts with no written explanations and a brief history and camo diagram on the other..
VALUE
Not cheap but competitively priced for this type of kit.
CONCLUSIONS
As with most Planet models, the quality of casting is high and with some extra detaing will make an excellent model for any resonably experienced modeller. For those new to modelling all-resin kits this will not be too difficult as long as care and time is taken.
The photo of the real aircraft is from the Walter Van Tillborg collection on www.1000aircraftphotos.com
About Peter Allen (flitzer) Greetings to all.
My real name is Peter Allen and I have recently returned to UK from working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a creative director in an advertising agency.
My home town is Wigan in the north of England.
I’m married to Emily, a Polish lass who tolerates my modelling well.
I’ve wor... Copyright ©2021 text by Peter Allen [ ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.
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