Airfix 1/72 Bristol Bloodhound (A02309V) - In-Box Review

[Ratch]

History:

The Bloodhound missile network formed a vital part of Britain’s Cold War air defence system. It was a surface-to-air radar-guided missile system, intended to defend the integrity of Britain’s V-bomber and Thor nuclear deterrent forces from hostile air attack.

An RAF Bloodhound Mk 1 Squadron site had 32 launchers, which were spilt into two fire units of 16 Launchers, along with a Launch Control Post Building, a Works Services Building and two Type 83 Radar’s and their Control Cabins. These 16 Launchers were set up in two Sections of 8, each tied to one of the radars. 

The system was introduced in 1958 and replaced by the Mk. II in 1964, followed by further variants, finally withdrawn in 1991.

In-box Review:

This is the original 1960 tooling in 1/72 scale. This is its seventh release by Airfix alone, others were by Plasty (twice), the Airfix Corporation of America, and Tsukuda Japan. There are two errors on the box; the scale is stated as 1/76 and it is also stated that the tooling originates from 1971. Dimensions are 180mm x 92mm. Parts count is 96 pieces. Skill Level is 2, and 1 Flying Hour is printed on the box.

Moulded in dark grey styrene, on runners, detail quality is basic. 

This is one of the oldest Airfix military kits, and when it first appeared the Bristol Bloodhound was cutting-edge technology. The Land Rover has raised detail, the tilt has a simulated wrinkled surface area. It scales at 1/72 having an 88” wheelbase.

The missile must be the Mk I, which was replaced by the Mk. II in 1964.

Five human and one canine figure is provided. The figures in this set were based on a Pathe News press footage film, titled “RAF Get The Bloodhound”, at RAF North Coates (where trials were conducted) in 1958. In the footage the dog was white, appearing with the RAF Scuffer. Three figures are in an identical pose, though what the pose is doing is not clear. 

They correctly wear the RAF version of the Battledress with no map or dressing pocket, and a shirt and tie. On the head is a beret, so they are correctly attired for the late 1950s. An officer is also provided, he also wears RAF battledress but has a peaked cap. He waves an arm in the air - a classic indicator of seniority in small plastic figures. An RAF policeman is also included, he has a peaked cap and webbing with a pistol holster. His dress and kit is also correct for the period, he has the dog to accompany him. 

Although there are no issues with accuracy for these figures, the sculpting is crude. There is flash along the seams of the figures that will need scraping off. Given they are over sixty years old it is to be expected, but they don’t have a natural look. The call for RAF ground figures for the 1950s may be limited, although these are about the only figures that could meet such a need. The Battledress outfit offers some scope to use the figures in other arms of service, so worth considering despite their age.

The country of manufacture is India for this latest issue. Instructions are printed on a 2-page, A4 sheet. 

The schematics are identical to earlier releases, except that the symbols for “Do not Cement” and paint call outs have been modernised. 

No reference images are provided, but for the usual guide for paint colours. The colour callouts themselves are somewhat spurious. The kit does not include decals. I was lucky enough to receive decals printed by Mike Grant some years ago, anticipating my acquisition of another kit.

Paints advised:

22 Gloss White

25 Matt Blue

30 Matt Dark Green

33 Matt Black

61 Matt Flesh

69 Gloss Yellow

These are not included in the kit.

All missiles were overall white, radomes were either an orange tan colour (early missiles) or gloss black. Stenciling and bands were black. Ramjet intake cones were natural metal, they were covered with fibreglass covers when on the launcher. Wings and Tail planes were white. Operational rounds in the RAF didn't have roundels or fin flashes, but some RAF Air Defence Missile Squadrons did put Squadrons markings on a least one missile (and a couple of operational missiles from 222 and 264 Sqn's did have a roundel and Sqn bars on them).

The missile colours are for the Mk. I prototype, although this may be time related. Operational Mk. I missiles were dark green by the 1970s, so 163 Satin Dark Green may be a better choice with black nose and tips of ramjets. The ramjets also had a silver portion.

The trailer might be better painted in 75 Bronze-Green rather than 30.

The Land Rover would be better in 79 Matt Blue Grey and not 25 for the period 1958 - 64.

96 Matt RAF Blue would be suitable for the uniforms.

The Guard is a RAF Policeman in late 1950's Number One Uniform, consisting of white SD hat, band under the white is matt black, Peak of cap gloss black. RAF Badge on SD hat is brass. Shirt is Wegdewood Blue, Tie is Matt Black, Uniform is Matt RAF Blue Grey. Webbing is matt white with brass buckles. Shoes are Gloss black. White eagles on the upper arms of the jacket, both sides, as are the White Rank Stripes (will be those of a Corporal at the very least) with the RAF Police arm band (Black/Red/Black) on the left arm. Anklets are white. He also wears a metal chain from top button on the jacket to the left pocket (had his whistle on it).

The boss of the loading crew wears normal RAF battledress for the time with a dust coat over the top. Shoes are Gloss Black, Trousers are Matt RAF Blue Grey, Shirt is Wedgewood Blue, Tie is Matt Black, Beret is Matt RAF Blue Grey with a brass RAF badge. Dust coat is a light brown (Beige I think was the colour on the item’s description label). Armband is white with Inverted three stripes (yellow on RAF Blue Grey), as he is not a Sergeant, but a Senior Technician.

Personnel are in coveralls which are green (shade of which I’m not aware), though Shirts, ties and headgear will be as the Senior Tech.

RRP £10.99.

The Airfix NATO figures (01758) are not suitable for this set as NBC suits did not exist until much later.