The Little World

I always keep an eye out these days for old or re-issued Heller kits. Either way, they are good value for money, with subjects that you just don’t see otherwise.

Which is not to say that other makers do not do the prototypes – just that we never see them here. Thus, once I see something I pounce on it; the old Western Australian life saver. If you don’t get it while it is going, you just get going.

This SAAB jet fighter did service with the Swedes and Austrians in Europe. It also flew over the Congo during their liberation wars as part of a UN peacekeeping force – the colour call-out and decals provide for a recon version in camouflage colours. Fine, if you could stand the vile scheme, but I cannot. So I went searching and found a Swedish Air Force preserved example flying at an air show. That’s my plane.

The Heller kit has raised panel lines and very fine detail. There are two separate noses – for the fighter or the recon, and the simple canopy is positionable. It all looks splendid and I’ll get other Swedish planes in the future so this can go in the Scandinavian hall.

Clear instructions – obviously a re-writing of the older kit’s plans – and with good new decals. May I hope for more, M. Heller? Le Canadair CL.215 peut être?