1/48 Supermarine Walrus Mk.I (A09183) Build Review

[Ratch]

Some of you may know that quite recently I built the old 1/72 Matchbox Walrus. It will be interesting to see how the hobby has advanced over the 44 years between the issue of these kits. Of course, with the Airfix kit being 1/48 scale we can expect greater detail, but what about the basics? I will be building straight from the box, but using consumables I have to hand, and corrections to colours I deem necessary, rather than sticking with those specified. I intend to build option B, a Mk. I of 700 NAS, HMS Sheffield, 1941.

[john redman]

I built a 1/72 Walrus years ago too but I can't remember whether it was the AFX one or the MBX. Either way, they're a bit pricey now so the sooner AFX issue the Walrus in 1/72 scale the better. 

[Ratch]

Before starting the build I airbrushed all the interior surfaces with Tamiya XF-71 Cockpit Green while still on the runners. 

Details were picked out with a brush.

[Ratch]

The interior detail is exquisite in quarter scale and the hull is crammed with it.

[Ratch]

I was a little apprehensive cutting the spar from the hatch in step 18, but as I’d allowed the glue to fully cure, the cut was simple and clean. Just a run over with a file removed the burrs showing. The transparencies were fixed with G-S Hypo Cement and masked.

[Ratch]

Just a few decals added.

[Ratch]

I fitted the instrument panel and winch under the nose panel and then fixed that in position. 

A smear of filler was used on the joints.