Tom Potter
1:48th scale
Something long awaited by Lancaster fans is now, at long last, available again in 1/48 scale.
In addition to the original parts you also get extra engine cowlings to build an aircraft without exhaust flame dampers. Tamiya also includes new needle bladed propellers and smooth tread tyres. All tyres are now provided as bulged items. Also provided are parts for a twin .50” machine gun installation in the rear turret, including a new transparency. You also get four crew figures plus one ground crew figure. There is also a completely new decal sheet with options for four aircraft.
Initial impression on opening the box is one of joy. This is overcome by the realisation that it retains all the raised detail of the 1970’s kit. Access panels are all represented as raised detail which is about one scale inch in depth. Tamiya really should have taken the opportunity to retool the kit with engraved detail.
There are some minor accuracy issues but not too much to be concerned about.
Altogether this should not be too much of a challenge for a modeller of reasonable ability to end up with a very pleasing addition to their collection.