MPM 1/72 BP Defiant Mk.1

MPM 1:72 BOULTON PAUL DEFIANT MK.I
'INBOX Review'

Reviewer: Christopher Amano-Langtree (rec.models.scale)

Kit Info: MPM No.72513 – Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.1 – 1/72 scale.

Introduction: One of the great modelling wants seems to be an accurate model of the Defiant in 1/72^nd scale. For a long time we had to do with the Airfix version which was inaccurate in many respects and needed considerable work. Pavla brought out a Mk.1 which was an absolute pig to build (in fact it was this kit that convinced me that Pavla were a waste of time) and had accuracy problems as well. Now MPM have entered the field with a new model of the Mk.1 using their new moulding technology. MPM have been getting better and better and so I was eagerly awaiting this kit.

The Kit: The Defiant comes in the standard MPM box with quite a nice painting on the outside. The usual MPM information is included on the outside.

The Parts: There are two sprues in medium grey plastic with one of clear parts making a total of around 48 parts. The extensive decal sheet is sealed inside its own bag but the clear parts are inside the main bag with the other parts. There are no resin parts in this kit which seems to be in line with recent MPM practice. No flash is visible and the mouldings look good and well detailed.

The Instructions: These consist of the usual MPM booklet and are very clear. A short history in several languages on the first page is followed by a sprue diagram and then the instructions. There are 10 easy to follow steps with an added bonus that MPM have included photographs of the real aircraft showing cockpit details and undercarriage arrangements. This is most welcome and coupled with clear diagrams means that assembly should be straightforward. The final 3 pages illustrate the colour schemes.

Accuracy: MPM did claim that this was the most accurate Defiant ever on their webpage and it certainly seems to look the part. Dimensions check out well and the aircraft looks like a Defiant. There are some question marks about the colour schemes though.

Detail: The detail is very finely engraved lines and looks fantastic with the fabric surfaces well represented. The cockpit is very well detailed but all the parts are plastic and I would have liked an etched instrument panel. The turret is acceptable and employs an interesting construction method but if you can have the Pavla kit it might be a good idea to use part of that (if you can get it to fit which isn’t easy). Parts are included for the landing lights if you feel like adding those and this is excellent but you will need to cut slots in the wings to take them. Undercarriage doors are commendably thin though they do need to be cut if you want to represent the doors open. One point that might irritate other modellers is that the rear fairing comes as one piece and will require considerable extra work to model in the lowered position. You can only really model the aircraft with it up and the turret in the stowed position. This doesn’t bother me as I think that the Defiant always looks most interesting that way. Likewise with the canopy which will require surgery to model it with the roof down. As MPM actually show these lowered in their markings illustrations it is a bit of a mystery why they did not include the option.

Versions: Three Mk1s can be built from this kit. Squadron Leader Turner’s camouflaged aircraft from 264 Squadron and Pilot Officer Hughes black aircraft from the same squadron. Also a Mk1 of 2 Squadron can also be built. This aircraft was apparently being tried in the army co-operation role. The decals are very nice and well printed and include a complete set of stencils as well in both red and black. However there are some question marks. According to some sources Turner’s aircraft carried the squadron code PS*B not PS*Y. The No.2 Squadron aircraft should have a thin white band round the spinner and the access panel markings for S/L Turner’s aircraft should be red not black. Finally contrary to the instructions the turret structure for the Defiants was painted night not camouflage colours.

Impressions: Is this the best Defiant kit in 1/72^nd scale. In my opinion it is – despite it’s shortcomings it will build into a very nice replica. It is not the perfect Defiant but it is a very nice attempt. MPM continue to improve and once again this kit features locating spigots to ensure accurate assembly. I would certainly recommend this kit to anyone who is interested in RAF aircraft from this period.

web hosting • domain names
web design • online games