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Kits with SAAF Markings included

 

CLASSIC AIRFRAMES “Export” Vampires includes markings AX-A

of 1 squadron SAAF

 

1/72nd Scale Heller Vampire FB5

 

 

This is one of the easiest conversions to do. I built my Vampire stock standard as Heller intended it to be. I smoothed all joints and sanded down all the panel lines leaving just a hint of them visible.

The colours worn by SAAF Vampires consisted of overall highspeed silver. I therefore sprayed my model with Humbrol aluminium Metalcote and applied a gloss varnish prior to decaling. The national markings came from an old Ken Smy SAAF markings sheet which supplied the original SAAF "Springbok" roundal from the 1950's. The 1 squadron code (AX-A) came from a Microscale decal sheet and the serial number under the wings were sourced from a South African produced sheet of serial numbers. When I replace this model in the future, I will most definitely shorten the main undercarriage to correct the stance of the aircraft, and all serials and codes will have the varnish surround cut off prior to decaling. The varnish of the decals sticks out like a sore thumb on the silver finish