After what seems like an eternity, we finally have a new-tool 1/72 bomber-canopy Canberra. Andy Davies discovers if S&M Models’ B.2 was worth the wait
English Electric’s Canberra, designed by WEW ‘Teddy’ Petter, served with more than 15 air forces, and was one of the rare foreign designs operated by the US Air Force (as the B-57). When news of a freshly tooled ‘goldfish bowl’ or bomber-canopy Canberra emerged in 2015, it was well received within the modelling community. For some reason, this variant has long been neglected, particularly in 1/72, so the arrival of S&M Models’ B.2 was anticipated eagerly (a T.4 is also available — see News last issue).
The sturdy, top-opening box contained six styrene runners, holding 66 parts and a single clear frame for the glazing. Being a typical short-run offering, attachment points were quite thick and the parts needed careful removal to avoid damage. No sink-marks were apparent, due in part to the lack of alignment pins and locating holes, and no short-shot parts were in evidence. Exterior surfaces featured fine, engraved panel lines, with no fading at sharp edges or around curved surfaces, and there was no warpage. Interestingly, parts for the T.4 versi…
