FROG F187 De Havilland Mosquito|NOVO F187|Cat.No.78082|FROG model kit|Сборная модель НОВО

De Havilland Mosquito

FROG 1962 Green series logo

FROG F187 Green Series De Havilland Mosquito Mk.IV or Mk.VI, ROVEX Industries Ltd, 1967

1968

Tri-ang and its subsidiaries had traditionally supplied their products direct from factory to retail outlet. Accounts were kept with each retailer and there was often debate about how small an account could be before it became uneconomic to maintain. This policy meant that no third party was involved in transactions and thus kept prices at as low a level as possible. It also had the effect of denying supplies of Tri-ang products to the thousands of small retailers, newsagents, confectioners etc. who sold toys particularly at Christmas time and were supplied by the wholesale trade. Many wholesale houses were very large toy buyers but required substantial discounts from manufacturers list prices to support their operation. The Tri-ang direct supply system used a costing formula that did not allow such discounts,..

Another reason for not supplying wholesalers was that it gave the local Tri-ang stockist a certain measure of exclusivity in his area. These factors were looked at critically by Rovex at this time and it was felt that considerable business could be generated for FROG through wholesalers without jeopardising the main Tri-ang outlets. Thus it came about that certain old kits which were out of the main range were brought back into production and offered to the wholesalers. They were re-packaged in bags with header cards and there was no reference to FROG on them. Four of these models were airliners originally but were now "jazzed" up to become "The President's Jet" (Boeing 707), "The Whispering Giant" transport (Britannia), "The Troop Dropping Herald" and the Comet 4 Jet Transport. The project was a modest success but faded away after a couple of years.

The first fruits of the Hasegawa deal began to come through about mid-year with the release of seven kits including a Phantom and ВАС Lightning, both badly needed to modernise the British range. Rovex's own programme contained five models of which the Stuka, Mosquito and Bfl09 were all to be large sellers. A Blackburn Shark was a slight oddity and was reviewed a little unfavourably in comparison with its Penguin predecessor of some 30 years before.

Kit sales for 1968 increased dramatically to ?362,023, even though the opportunity was taken to delete some old kits with the advent of so many new ones from Japan.

FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom

de Havilland D.H.98 Mosquito B.IV/F.VI
F1871968-1973G1(G)2100001xRAF & 1xRAAF
F1871974-1977 H(G) 550001xRAF & 1xRAAF

FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom

1971

The influx of new ex-Hasegawa kits was drastically reduced since parts of the Hasegawa sales had by now been taken over by A. A. Hales, who sold the kits in their original boxes. Since a few years back many of the original Frog kits had in fact been tooled outside Rovex and by 1971 their own tooling had all but ceased. About half of the new kits were now tooled in Hong Kong, but even so the cost for a red or green series kit was some £2,000-2,400. In July there was a discussion about re-issuing the red series in bags and also to convert all old moulds to have boxed-in runners, but neither was ever carried out. New projects discussed included a range of ex-Hasegawa motorcycles, a Bf 110 and a Mosquito in 1/32 scale (the latter to have been ex-Hasegawa), a range of military vehicles in 1/72 (to tie in with the new Hasegawa vehicle range) and finally also large-scale kits of a Deep Sea Tug and Fishing Trawler. The idea of a series of special Frog decal sheets (similar to those sold by Esci) was also considered.

FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom

IN VIEW -AIRCRAFT KITS

FROG. Just available is the new 1968 Catalogue from this company which shows the box-top artwork for the Mosquito (Mks IV and VI), the Beaufighter (NF. 1, MK.6 and Mk10) and Blenheim, all of which are expected during 1968. Members should, however, note these kits are not due for release until well into the New Year.

The IPMS magazine Vol.5 No.12, DECEMBER 1967


"CHICAGO AND BRIGHTON NEWS" (Or "In View - 1968")

Frog (Rovex) showed their new 1/72 scale Blackburn Shark at their London Trade show, and at 3/1 Id. this beautiful kit must offer some of the finest value for money ever. A Lysander is due about April, and their 1968 catalogue depicts box top illustrations for the Mosquito, Beaufighter, Blenheim 1 and Tupolev SB-2. All are to 1/72 scale and all will have optional parts or alternative markings and finishing details.

The IPMS magazine, Vol.5 No.3, MARCH 1968


MODELLING
W R MATTHEWS
A FROG QUINTETTE

Frog has issued no fewer than five new kits, all to 1/72nd scale, during recent weeks, two of these representing WW II types, the Mosquito and the Ju 87G-1, and the remaining three representing current fighters, the MiG-21, the F-4K/M Phantom II, and the F-104G Starfighter. The Mosquito suffers from inaccurate outlines to the vertical tail surfaces, engine nacelles, and nose transparency, none of which can be easily corrected. The mudguards are far too thick and heavy and, like the rockets, must be filed down, in other respects, it makes a good model, with neatly-detailed, well-fitting component parts. It may be assembled as the Mk IV bomber or the Mk VI fighter-bomber, alternative nose sections and canopies being provided. To achieve an accurate shape with the Mk IV canopy, Frog has had to mould this in two halves, and we recommend that the joint between these is not cemented during assembly. An excellent decal sheet provides the markings of a Mk IV of No 105 Sqdn and of a Mk 40 of the RAAF. Despite faults. Frog's Mosquito is the best 1/72nd scale kit of this famous type available, and worth having at the UK price of 5s 9d, The Junkers Ju 87G-1, in contrast with the Mosquito, is accurate throughout. Neatly pressed and finely detailed, it fits together well on the whole, but great care must be taken when fitting the wings to the fuselage or excessive dihedral results. Some filling is necessary around the'wing roots. The beautifully-painted and semi matt-finished decal sheet provides markings for one of Hans Rudel's Ju 87G-1's and for a Hungarian Ju 87D-5. If the latter markings are employed, dive brakes and wing bomb racks must be made from scrap plastic as these parts are not provided by the kit for some peculiar reason, At the UK price of 4s, Frog again offers good value for money.

The MiG-21 is another good kit, cleanly produced in somewhat streaky silver plastic and apparently accurate in outline. The component parts generally fit together well, although the manufacture of the fuselage spine and the fin integral with one fuselage half can cause difficulty. Surface detail is fine, but strangely includes Soviet insignia outlined on the surface itself, yet a really superb decal sheet includes Finnish, Iraqi and Egyptian markings as well as those of the Soviet Union, The F-104G Starfighter kit is generally of the same standard as the MiG, but is pressed in light grey plastic and offers a rather better fit of component parts. The decal sheet includes Danish, Dutch, Italian and Federal German markings, and is a real work of art. This is most probably the best 1/72nd scale Starfighter kit, and reasonably priced at 5s 9d in the UK,

The last member of this quintette and the only real disappointment is the Phantom II, displaying a mass of heavy and irregular riveting which will make the people at McDonnell Douglas shudder. Why Frog has reverted to this ham-fisted detailing we cannot say, and it is particularly sad as this is the only generally-available kit representing accurately the British variants of the Phantom. We have no complaints regarding the fit of the component parts and the quality of the decals', and in view of its size and accuracy it is probably worth its U K price of 6s 9d. rivets and all!

NEW KITS (latest review copies received)
MAKE AIRCRAFT SCALE PRICE
Artipiast Fiat G.55 1/50th __
VEB Antonov An-24 1/100th —
Hasegawa Grumman A-6A intruder 1/72nd —
Frog Junkers Ju 87G-1 1/72nd 4s 0d
Frog de Haviiland Mosquito 1/72nd 5s 9d
Frog MiG-21 1/72nd 5s 9d
Frog Lockheed F-104G 1/72nd 5s 9d
Frog McDonnell F-4K/M Phantom 1/72nd 6s 9d

RAF Flying Review August, 1968, Vol. 23, No. 12


NEW AND IN VIEW NEW AIRCRAFT KITS
FROG. De Havilland Mosquito - Mk. IV or Mk. VI. 1/72 scale. Price 4/-. (U.K.)

This is a disappointing kit as it has serious faults which cannot easily be corrected. The worst of these concerns the engine nacelles; these are much too shallow at the forward end and too narrow at the rear, where the wheel wells are not wide enough to admit the undercarriage. As the undercarriage is not retractable the latter point is perhaps not vital, but it certainly shows. To correct the cowling shape means re-building the lower part completely and also the air intake. Surface detail, such as it is, is quite neat but why on earth put rivets on the elevators, which should be fabric covered?

The mouldings are good and the transparencies are clear but not accurate. The alternative cockpit canopies are very similar to those in the 1/48 scale Monogram kit (i.e. the Mk. IV canopy is in two halves and should not be cemented together otherwise a nasty white joint line will show). The shape of the fin and rudder is completely inaccurate, and these parts will have to be replaced. Undercarriage detail is fair but can be improved upon and the mudguards are definitely too heavy. Decals are good and represent No. 105 Squadron Royal Air Force (Mk. IV Bomber Version) and No. 1 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force (Mk. VI Fighter Version) and as usual the colour schemes are shown on the box for both versions.

The kit is probably acceptable in the absence of anything better, but is certainly far from being the definitive version.

IN VIEW

FROG. We have been asked to announce that, owing to export demand, release dates for their kits are somewhat extended. The Lysander and F-86E Sabre will, however, soon be released. Following these will be the B.A.C. Lightning 6, which features markings for 11 Sqdn R.A.F. and accurate R. Saudia A.F. insignia and detail.

The IPMS magazine, SEPTEMBER 1968 VOL.5 No.9


UPC D.H.98 Mosquito IV/VI, 1968-70

UPC
Universal Powermaster Corporation, New York 10, NY. USA
Period: 1967-1970?

Compared to most other kit companies, UPC is something of an oddity. They had a very large number of kits in their range - more than 150 at one time or another - but they never made any moulds of their own. Instead they repacked kits from countless other manufacturers and sold these under the UPC label. The company was apparently more or less a "one-man show" under the management of Mike Tager.

The first Frog kits bought were the ten ship kits, in quantities of 15-25,000 pieces each. The R.100, Gannet, Barracuda, Beaufort and Lancaster followed in 1968 with the rest of the aircraft in 1969. Quantities varied between 10,000 and 20,000. The 5,000 Jaguar kits were scheduled for 1968 but eventually delayed until the following year. Most kits had new artwork but used stock decals supplied by Rovcx. Instruction sheets were standard Frog, except for a change of logotype.

The R.100 came without the cardboard base of the Frog issue. A UPC R.100 with kit number 6040 has been reported elsewhere, but this is probably just a misprint.

For four of the aircraft kits the situation is a bit unclear. UPC ordered 10,000 pieces each of these, and apparently at least some were produced by Rovex of all except possibly the Mosquito, but their issue by UPC is still not confirmed. Were they in fact issued, they probably got kit numbers in the 51 xx range.

*** D.H.98 Mosquito IV/VI

*** Existence unlikely but not totally impossible

FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom

amt

amt A-631:100 De Havilland Mosquito Mk.IV or Mk.VI, Aluminum Model Toys Corp, 1970

AMT Frog
AMT Corp., 1225 East Maple, Troy, MI 48084, USA.
Period: 1967-1970

AMT was, and has continued to be, a company specialising in car and truck kits. By the mid-1960s, they had become interested in diversifying into aircraft kits as well, and were thus a natural new partner for Lines Bros, after the demise of Air Lines. AMT sold the kits under the AMT/Frog label and, apart from a batch supplied by Rovex in 1968, did all moulding themselves, using Frog moulds brought over from England.

The original plans called for some 40+ Frog kits to be released by AMT, but eventually only 23 different kits got produced. While having the moulds with them, AMT had several of them (P-47, FW 190 etc.) cleaned up by removing engraved markings and other heavy surface detailing. They also added a dorsal turret (but no guns) to the P-61 and reworked the Boston/Havoc kit.

At first all kits had kit numbers type 0000, but around 1968 this was changed to A-000 for both older releases and new items. Most artwork and decals were changed at the same time.

The agreement with AMT provided Lines with a large range of AMT cars for release in Europe under the Frog/ AMT label. However, these proved to be poor sellers and this caused the co-operation between the companies to be dissolved after a couple of years.

1st no. 2nd no.
- A-631D.H.98 Mosquito IV/VI

FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom

ハセガワ フロッグ

JS-045 No.29 De Havilland Mosquito Mk.IV or Mk.VI, Hasegawa FROG,
ハセガワ フロッグ JS-045 デ・ハビランド モスキート イギリス空軍爆撃機 1968

Hasegawa/Frog
Hasegawa Seisakushu Ltd. Co., 600-6, Higashi Nitta. Shizuoka-Shi, Japan
Period: 1967-1974?

The co-operation between Frog and Hasegawa is one of the most successful between two independent companies and also one of the most extensive. But it is not unique. Airfix had a similar arrangement with Eidai during the same period, to mention one example, although this was limited to Eidai selling Airfix kits and not vice versa.

The first contacts were made by Rovex in early 1967, on the suggestion of UPC - themselves large buyers of Japanese kits and also a customer of Frog mouldings. Initially both LS and Hasegavva were considered as potential suppliers, but the latter was soon found to be the better of the two.

Under the agreement reached, all kits were moulded by the originating company who sold the bagged mouldings to the other company. Hasegawa thus added boxes, instructions and decals at their own factory. The decals used were often based on the original Frog ones, although in some cases changes were made by adding or deleting options. E.g., the Vimy had RAF decals, the Ju 87 Hungarian markings only and the P-38 an additional two USAAF options apart from the two in the Frog issue. All box artwork was new and of good quality.

Hasegawa was one of the few companies to issue former Frog kits in more than one box style. The first kits came with the old Hasegawa logotype, but around 1969 this was changed to the new one still in use today. Many kits can therefore be found with two different box styles. Unfortunately, no detailed information is available on the subject and the details given below should be considered as provisional only.

It should be noted that the Ju 88 and Beaufighter were first sold in their original form and later on with Spin-a-Prop modifications added (although never sold as Spin-a-Prop kits by Hasegawa).

The reason for discontinuing the co-operation between the two companies is not quite clear, since both sides were apparently satisfied with the arrangement. The probable reason is that the receivership imposed on Rovex in the early 1970s caused a desire to withdraw from any long-term commitment. Be this as it may, Rovex delivered the last batch of mouldings in early 1973, and these were probably sold out by Hasegawa within the year.

The Hasegawa kit numbers were allocated roughly in order of issue, the last new Frog kits being released in 1971. While most kits did have the JS-prefix to their numbers, it is worth noting that at least some of the new style boxes (e.g. that for the Shark) lacked this.

The production quantities given below are based on incomplete information and should therefore be treated as strictly provisional.

Repeated inquiries to Hasegawa regarding some of the above have, unfortunately, remained unanswered. Of all the companies contacted, they are one of the few not to respond in any way.

Boxes
Old New Qty
JS-045 D.H.98 Mosquito IV/VI x x 75000

FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom

FROG 1974 Green series logo

FROG F187 Green Series De Havilland Mosquito Mk.IV or Mk.VI, ROVEX Model & Hobbies Ltd, 1975

MODEL ENTHUSIAST
This month's colour subject

Undoubtedly one of the most successfully versatile of any of the twin-engined combat aircraft built during WW II, the Mosquito, like the Ju 88, gave the lie to the old adage "Jack-of-all-trades and master of none", for it excelled in all its widely varied roles and in none more so than those of night fighter and fighter-bomber. Aesthetically, few if any aircraft of WW II offered the Mosquito serious competition and we doubt if many who have pursued aircraft modelling for a number of years have still to add this superlative de Havilland creation to their collection. Nevertheless, our ranks are swelling with every passing month and the Mosquito continues to hold its own as a popular modelling subject. The earliest kit to be issued of the Mosquito was an Airfix product to 1/72nd scale and in retrospect it was certainly a somewhat crude affair, but this same company has more recently issued an' entirely new kit which, accurate and well-moulded, offers alternative parts to permit completion as an NF Mk II night fighter, an FB Mk VI fighter-bomber, or a 57-mm Molins gun-toting Mk XVIII. With a total of 97 component parts and a selection of rocket and bomb armament, plus underwing slipper tanks, this Series 3 Airfix kit is to be strongly recommended. Frog's 1/72nd scale Mosquito is less accurate than that from Airfix but may be completed as either a B Mk VI bomber or as the FB Mk VI and is therefore in some respects complementary. This kit is, incidentally, in Frog's Green series. A further 1/72nd scale kit of the Mosquito, a B Mk IV, is due shortly in Lesney's 'Matchbox' three-colour orange range.
F J HENDERSON

Air Enthusiast 1976-07 vol.11 no.01


NOVO F183 De Havilland Mosquito Mk.IV or Mk.VI, NOVO Toys Ltd Cat.No.78082

Novo
Novo Toys Ltd., Maxey, Peterborough, England PE69HQ
Period: 1976-1981
Qty
78082 D.H.98 Mosquito IV/VI 0+

FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom

FAIR COMMENT
A REVIEW OF NEW AIRCRAFT MODELS AT THE 1979 TRADE SHOWS

PROVIDING you are not looking for variety, the number of new kits to appear on the market this year is well up to standard as far as quantity goes. Quality too seems to have been maintained and the trade seems to be going through a fairly buoyant period.

HOME GROWN

As Novo is a British company albeit importing the products from the Russian owned former Frog moulds, they should be included in this section. From last year's experiences it would seem that although the company announces a lot of new kits at the beginning of the year there are often a few hiccups along the way and not all of them are imported. We sincerely hope that this yearwill prove the exception to the rule as there are a number of badly needed models coming back, isuch as the Javelin and Sea Venom. The complete list includes the Vampire, P-40 Tomahawk, F4U Corsair, P-47 Thunderbolt and Tempest all at 40p. P-38 Lightning, Spitfire and VI, Vengeance, Hunter FGA9 and Sea Venom at 60p and the Javelin, Mosquito, Swordfish, Lynx, Beaufighter, Jaguar, Harrier and Black Widow at 86p. Amongst the civil kits, the Boeing 707 and Caravelle in 1:96th scale, priced at £1.10, should be returning. Astute modellers will realise that the prices have gone up since the kits first came back on the market and the original 25p range, for example, now costs 40p. From reports we have received the availability of the Novo kits in England has been very patchy, so it will be advisable to watch some of the direct mail advertisements to see when the models become available.

Scale Aircraft Modelling MARCH 1979 VOLUME 1 NUMBER 6

zvezda logo

Москито, Звезда, 2000

НОВОСТИ
ЗВЕЗДА

В каталог 2000 поставлены Fokker VII «Southern Cross» и Mosquito — перепаковка старого пластика от NOVO (exFROG).

М-Хобби 1999-6 №


  • 11.09.2017
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    Airfix 1956 logo

    AIRFIX No.2 Series pattern No.1402 De Havilland MOSQUITO F.B.VI, 1958

    TRADE NOTES

    The brightly-coloured models like the Mustang recently added to the Airfix range. Other new Airfix types are the Whirlwind and Mosquito as seen at top right.

    Interesting coincidence is that the pilot of the wartime Walrus air-sea rescue amphibian with serial number K 5786 as chosen for the Airfix model transfers, has written in to the firm stating his delighted approval of the choice of markings. Considering that most of the Airfix models are from our plans, in particular the Walrus, we, too, take a bow for the choice of decoration!

    AeroModeller JULY 1958 VOLUME XXIII NUMBER 270


    'SOLID' TIPS FOR MODELLERS
    by JOHN BLAKE
    An Aerodyne in a Polythene bag
    • Plastic modelling kits are all the rage again with 'keen' types

    Throughout the western world, in the past two or three years, there has been a great swing back into popularity of the plastic model. Exactly why this should be so is very difficult to say. The mechanical or technical reasons are plain enough; as soon as the possibilities of the various chemical compounds referred to loosely as plastics were realised, and it was evident that plastic was the perfect medium for the rendering of minute and intricate detail, the kits began to multiply on the markets and a craze for solid modelling which had died with the war once more swept the public.

    It is easy to see, once the craze became established, why plastic kits are so popular, providing as they do a maximum of opportunity for detailed decor and a minimum of actual constructive labour. It might be argued that this form of construction is that of the lazy man and not of the serious modeller, but there are two arguments against this: the youth or inexperience of a modeller is no debar from the building up of a set of satisfying models and a large number of builders prefer to concentrate on the colour schemes and minute surface details rather than on the solid business of carving a model from some uncompromising blank.

    A firm which turns out low-priced but extremely attractive models and concentrated initially on biplanes is Airfix, with the Gladiator, Bristol Fighter, Camel, Hart, Tiger Moth, Walrus, R.E.8 and Albatros D.V. Other models in their range include the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, D.H.88 Comet, Mosquito, Whirlwind, Lysander, MiG 15, Mustang and S.R.53. pne of the best of their kits is the rocket-armed Beaufighter. Models featured by them which are also favourites of other firms are Spitfire, Hurricane, Supermarine S-6B, Bf.109 and Ju. 87B. It is a curious fact that the Hurricane and Spitfire, though frequently produced, are almost always the most inaccurate of any kit—a fate shared in this range by the Me 109.

    RAF Flying Review October 1958 Vol. XIV, No 2


    MODELLING
    W. R. MATTHEWS
    THIS MONTH'S COLOUR SUBJECT

    Our colour pages this month depict that true immortal of the Second World War, the de Havilland Mosquito. The only Mosquito kit available at the present time is Airfix's 1/72nd scale product, and this, representing the Mk.VI, is one of this manufacturer's earlier offerings and leaves something to be desired on the score of accuracy. However, Monogram has recently announced the imminent release of a 1/48th scale kit which can be assembled as a Mosquito Mk .II, Mk IV or Mk.VI. Those who wish to produce a model of one of the later versions fitted with two-stage Merlins will have to face up to some rather awkward conversion work on the nacelles as their form is noticeably changed, incorporating as they do chin intakes below the spinners and other intakes further aft which break the lower lines of the nacelles. The oddly-shaped noses fitted to the various night fighting models have to be made from wood.

    RAF Flying Review March, 1966, Vol. XXI, No. 7

    Airfix 1971 logo

    AIRFIX No.3 Series 03019-3 De Havilland MOSQUITO, 1973

    Aircraft Illustrated 1972-11
    Modelling world
    New British World War II aircraft kits

    No accurate 1/72 scale has yet been produced and we eagerly await the new Airfix Mosquito fighter in this scale in the hope of redressing the balance.

    AIRCRAFT ILLUSTRATED 1972-11


    KIT COMMENT
    SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY
    NEW YEAR KIT OFFERINGS FROM ALL WELL-KNOWN MANUFACTURERS

    MOSQUITO REMOULDED

    Airfix have now completed the announced programme of retooling a number of their old kits including the Lysander, Hurricane and P-38 Lightning, by producing a revised model of the Mosquito and we are glad to say that here, the face lift has been very successful. There were many faults with the old model, particularly the undercarriage but this has now been completely revised and the kit is an excellent replica of the real thing.

    Three mark variants have been included. These are an all-black night fighting Mk.II, the anti-shipping Mk.XVIII which mounted a 57mm cannon in the nose, and the fighter-bomber Mk. VI. Needless to say throe sopaialo (local shoots arc included lor No ?.\ Sqdn. (Mk.II), Nos. 248/254 Sqdns. (Mk.XVIII) and No. 1 Sqdn. RAAF (Mk.VI).

    We chose the latter scheme for our review model as its all-silver paint scheme seemed the best for photography and was also easier to produce in the short time available. We found construction simple and the new Mossie is a delight to build. Surface rivets are a trifle on the heavy side following the usual Airfix practice but at least they are in the right places! They can be rubbed down slightly before painting.

    Apart from the correct undercarriage, which looks a little complicated but is relatively easy to put together, there are several other points on this model worthy of note. These include the wing drop tanks, difficult to make because of their complex shape when starting from scratch, the beautifully moulded underwing rockets, scale size machine guns and two types of propellor blade. In our opinion the new Airfix model is a real winner and for 35p is extremely cheap at the price.

    Aviation News Vol 1 Num 18 19 January - 1 February 1973


    MODEL ENTHUSIAST
    A shapely pair

    For a long time we have awaited a really good kit of the de Havilland Mosquito to 1/72nd scale and finally our patience has been rewarded by Airfix which has released a completely new kit which can be made up into three different versions, the Mks II, VI and XVIII, all the necessary alternative component parts being provided. Surface detail is very well done, except for the oversized rivets of the metal-covered areas of the engine nacelles and wing fuel tanks; the cockpit canopy, although rather thick, is very clear and renders it worthwhile adding to the interior detailing, and the undercarriage is very good indeed and as complete and accurate in detail as can possibly be expected of this scale. Another point worth mentioning is the successful capture of the rather elusive lines of the engine nacelles — all too rare in Mosquito model kits

    The decals, which are to Airfix's new and much-improved standard, provide markings for a Mk II of No 23 Squadron, RAF, a Mk VI of No 1 Squadron, RAAF, and a Mk XVIII of Nos 248/254 squadrons, RAF. The UK price of this Series 3 kit is 35p.
    F J HENDERSON

    Air Enthusiast 1973-04 vol.04 no.04

    Matchbox 70 logo

    MATCHBOX PK-116 MOSQUITO

    Aircraft Illustrated 1976-04
    Modelling world
    James Goulding
    International Toy Fair at Brighton

    Lesney had most surprises in its 1976 releases, but many of the new models were not on show in the extensive exhibition of products. The new 1/72 scale aircraft kits include ... de Havilland Mosquito Mk XVI...

    The Mosquito will be a useful model, as it represents the Merlin 61 series-engined version (which has not been modelled before) but I await the kit with some anxiety because past 1/72 scale models have all suffered from serious inaccuracies and this might be our last chance to have a really nice model of the famous bomber. So much depends on the basic general arrangement drawing which is the starting point for every kit. I have not yet seen a published drawing of a production Mosquito that was not without some inaccuracies.

    AIRCRAFT ILLUSTRATED 1976-04


    KIT COMMENT
    MATCHBOX MOSQUITO
    BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

    But let us turn to more interesting and less depressing business, for the release of the Matchbox Mosquito NF.30/IX will doubtless be of interest to many modellers. Once again this company have let their heads rule their hearts and have produced an entirely different version of the famous wooden-wonder in the shape of the penultimate night fighter in the series or a different bomber from anyone else.

    It is not a bad kit but by comparison to the Airfix model there are certain deficiencies in the undercarriage, for example, which can be readily overcome by cross kitting the two models.

    By doing this we found that a superb kit can result, accurate in outline, full of detail and something to add to the collection that is different from the rest but still on the same theme.

    From the constructional point of view we found it easy to build, as are almost all of the Matchbox range. The cockpit needed a lot of detail adding over which we spent some time. Both seats need revising and the rear of the cockpit needs something done to it to produce the necessary detail that should be there.

    The NF.30 provides the deep nacelles of the later marks of Mosquito which can be turned back onto the Airfix kit if necessary to make yet more versions by a little cutting and shaping here and there. The Matchbox tailwheel was also discarded and replaced by the Airfix one.

    The Matchbox kit also contains parts for the Mk.IX bomber version and an alternative nose is supplied with a bomb aimers position. We did not make up the bomber model, prefeping to have the fighter in the collection, but this seems perfectly adequate and the model provides underwing bomb racks or long range tanks common to this mark.

    Other very minor criticisms that could be levelled at the kit are that the NF canopy seems slightly too wide at its rear end in plan view and that only the earlier narrow prop blades have been included. There was little we could do about the first mentioned but once again the Airfix kit was raided for the propellers.

    Matchbox provide two sets of decals with the model. The NF.30 is represented by No.85 Sqdn. when stationed at Swanington in 1944 and coded 'VY\ The aircraft itself is NT252 Y\ The alternative set are for Mk.IX ML913 'E' oi No. 105 Sqdn. operating from Marham in 1943. The decals we used went on satisfactorily but it is advised to use something like Microset to permanently fix them to the model. It is also best to cut round the decal carefully as the carrier film is rather wide and could easily show if this were not done.

    The Matchbox Mosquito is well worth 68p and although it needs some cross kitting with the Airfix model, provides us with two more marks of this famous aircraft that should be welcomed by every modeller interested in the RAF.

    As mentioned previously the Hunter was reviewed late last year which leaves the P-38 Lightning as the last of the three recently released. No review model has been received from Matchbox of this aircraft so we had to wait until being able to see the examples bought for Model Mail. The version produced is a P-38J and its construction seems sound enough at first glance. There are, however, a number of other kits of this version on the market so we decided to leave it alone for the time being and therefore cannot give a detailed description of its attributes.

    Aviation News Vol 5 Num 20 4 - 17 March 1977


    MODEL ENTHUSIAST
    A mix of "matchboxes"

    Stepping down somewhat in size and back quite a number of years in military aviation annals, we come to a neat kit of the Mosquito which may be assembled as either a B Mk IX or an NF Mk 30, two variants not featured by previous Mosquito kits. There are considerable differences between the two versions of this immortal aircraft, necessitating two separate canopies, two complete nose sections, alternative exhaust ports, slipper tanks, bombs on underwing racks and so on, all ingeniously designed into the kit while maintaining outline accuracy. Surface detailing is sparse, as befits the externally clean "Wooden Wonder", but where there is detail it is extremely neat. Rather more detail is needed in the cockpit, however, as this is provided with only a floor, seats, pilot figures and control column. The decal sheet provides codes and serials for two RAF aircraft, a B Mk IX of No 105 Sqdn at Marham, Norfolk, in 1943, and an NF Mk 30 of No 85 Sqdn at Swanington in the following year. Included in the Orange Range, the kit has 76 component parts which, appropriately enough, are moulded in light grey, olive green, black and clear plastic.
    F J HENDERSON

    Air Enthusiast 1977-03 vol.12 no.03