The Little World

When I saw the Dragon model of the Gloster Meteor on the shelf of the little local model specialty shop, I leapt at it. I have a set of decals for an Israeli jet and I thought my luck was in. As it happens, the IAF Meteors were a noticeably later model, with distinctive nacelles and canopy – this one is what it is- the first operational model for the RAF in wartime England. I shall build it out of the box and be more than satisfied – it will train me up for when I find an F.4 or F.5 version

Say, that’s British all over, isn’t it. Every other aircraft that has different versions gets known by a mark number in roman numerals…ie Spitfire Mk IX. I daresay it is a nod to the Latin training of the English public schools, what? But Gloster call theirs F.1, F.3, F.4 etc. They canned F.2. Nothing like making the thing confusing…

Well, the box art has a German V-1 on it and apparently the 616 Squadron Meteors shot a number of them down over the southern counties. I shall have to look one out in 1:72 scale as a display piece.

The sprues are gorgeous – very little evidence of flash at all and no troubles with sink marks that I can see. Only one option for the canopy but this can be left open – it hinges to the side.

The decals are straightforward and to the point for 616. The USAAF insignia refers to a plane they sent to Muroc Dry lake for testing during the war – it was sent back. I’m delighted to realise that I have the exact paints in lacquer for this scheme – purchased at the Melbourne model show. What better use for the set!

Note: There are two engines included in the kit – I suspect that one will not make it into the nacelle – because it will make a glorious separate display on a stand in the Air World.