1:48 Bristol F.2B Fighter

Bristol F.2B Fighter - a Roden plastic kit in 1:48 scale

Injection-molded plastic kit of the British two-seat Bristol F.2B Fighter biplane in 1:48 scale from the Ukrainian brand Roden. The model captures the sturdy Brisfit with its two-man crew, the gunner's machine gun and a finely engraved surface; as with any biplane, rigging is part of the build. The instructions in the box state the exact contents of the package and the decal schemes.

The real subject

The Bristol F.2B, nicknamed the Brisfit, was a British two-seat fighter of the First World War. Although it was a two-seater, its strong structure and good handling made it a full-fledged fighter: the pilot attacked with a fixed forward-firing machine gun just as in single-seat fighters, while the gunner in the rear cockpit covered the tail with a flexible machine gun. After initial losses, when the crews fought too cautiously, the tactics changed and the Brisfit became one of the most successful and most feared Allied aircraft of the closing stage of the war. It stayed in service long after the war ended.

Building and painting tips

The two-seat cockpit calls for careful painting of the interior of both positions before the fuselage is closed up. Seat the lower wing first and the upper one into the struts with a temporary support for accurate fit. Tension the rigging after the main painting, with fine thread or elastic thread. Bring the engraved covering to life with a wash and gentle shading; pick out the gunner's machine gun barrel and the engine cylinders with metallic shades and a dry brush.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of British aircraft of the First World War.
• For fans of two-seat fighters and of the legendary Brisfit.
• For modelers who want to try rigging a biplane.
• For more advanced builders with a taste for aircraft of the Great War.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.