Brengun 1/72 Typhoon Mk.Ib Car Doors Early-Mid and Mid Production
By Matt Bittner
Most in the modeling world thought that after Brengun had released their new-tool later-mark Typhoons, it was just a matter of time before they released the earlier "Car Door" versions. This version is called "car door" because to get in and out of the cockpit, you entered what looked like a "car door", just like you entered the cockpit of a P-39.
The Kit
The "Car Door" version of the Brengun Typhoon has 98 tan, injected pieces; a clear sprue with seven pieces (although you won't use the bubble canopy parts); a photoetch fret with seat belts and the pilot step; and a decal sheet for four schemes:
- HH+W, 175 Squadron, Sqdn Ldr R.T.P. Davidson, August 1943
- PR+F, 609 Squadron, May 1943
- US+A, 56 Squadron, March 1943
- TP+N, 198 Squadron, S/Ldr. Jiří Maňák (this is the box-top version, depicting his landing in water after being hit)
Decals appear to be in register and look nice.
Construction follows exactly the same sequence of their first release Typhoons, so I will refer you to that article for how the kit goes together.
Conclusion
It's great that Brengun followed up their first Typhoon releases with the earlier "Car Door" version. The last 1/72 Car Door Typhoon was released by, I believe, Aviation Usk, and there was a lot of work to get the model to contest-quality. However, the Brengun kit should be less problematic to build and will look great built-up.
I definitely thank Brengun for sending the review kit.