Airfix 1/72 Vickers Valiant B(PR)K Mk.1/B(K)Mk.1 Conversion
By Matt Bittner
In an unusual move - in fact, I can't recall a major kit manufacturer doing so - Airfix has released their own conversion for their 1/72 Vickers Valiant. This conversion turns their BK.Mk.1 into the B(PR)K Mk.1 or the B(K) Mk.1.
The conversion consists of 11 pieces of gray, injected plastic, and decals for two aircraft:
- Vickers Valiant B(PR)K Mk.1, No. 543 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Wyton, UK, 1957, finished overall in aluminum with hi-vis "Signal Red" patches
- Vickers Valiant B(K)Mk.1, No. 214 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Marham, UK, 1960, finished overall in white
Depending on the version you want to build - the B(PR)K or B(K) - results in which steps to follow on the conversion instruction sheet. Plus, it's important to supplement the converson instructions into the main kit directions. This will keep everything in line while you're building the main model.
As I mentioned in my Valiant Units of the Cold War review, the No. 543 aircraft has a local history, in that it crashed and burned during take off, from Offutt AFB here, in Omaha, Nebraska. Thankfully the crew compartment separated so there was no loss of life.
I'm looking forward to building the full kit, with conversion, at the beginning of the new year. I think it's going to be fun.
My thanks to Airfix and Hornby America for sending the review kit.