Vickers

Vickers Vimy MK.IV by FROG Models, 1/72 scale injection mold.

On August 16, 1917, the Vickers company was awarded a contract for three new experimental heavy bombers. The plane was designed to accommodate three crewmen and 12 bombs stowed vertically within the fuselage. There was to be a gunner's position in the nose and mid-section. Testing took place in January 1918 with many variations of engines being tried throughout 1918. No Vimy was used operationally in WW1 but it had a long post-war history. Production ceased in 1924.

This model represents H651 which was the standard production version.

The Mark 1 version of the FB19 appeared in August 1916 powered by a 100hp Gnome Monosoupape engine. It had unstaggered wings with a cutout in the center section.

The Mark II had staggered wings to improve the pilot's view. Both Marks were fitted with a Vickers gun which fired through the airscrew arc. The gun mounting was interesting as the gun was fixed in a trough on the port side of the fuselage and the bullets passed through a hole in the cowling.

The FB19 failed to impress the authorities and the plane was never used on the Western Front. Some went to Palestine and Macedonia. Six machines were used in Home Defense squadrons and 12 were sent to training squadrons.

This model depicts A5230 of an RFC Home Defense Squadron, Spring 1917.

This is a very old vacuform. The engine, prop and machine gun are from "Aeroclub", the wheels from the scrap box, as are the decals. The upper surface paint is Model Master Olive Drab and the CDL is Floquil Depot Buff. The cowl is hand painted Model Master Aluminum. Total building time is about 12 hours.