F.M 1/48 Halifax Mk.III Review

[@stevepringle2295]

One of these kits was entered in my local club contest in Rochester, Minnesota this year. It was magnificent. The builder replaced all the cowls and engines from two Tamiya Beaufighter kits. He took a gold medal award for best WWII bomber.

[@johngallagher6047]

Reminds me of the old Airfix instructions i.e. 'Locate and cement pilot yoke (7) to cockpit floor (3)' etc. Those were the days.

[@martinleroux3]

I have this Halifax kit in my stash for more than 10 years. I purchased it in France when it came on the market. When I open the box, I had the same reactions you had toward that kit, and put it at the bottom of my stash. Considering this kit rarity, I never considered selling it. I am glad an expert modeller like you will make a video to show how to build it. There was an article many years ago in french magasine Replic describing the build of this kit.

[@rafael2499]

I admire Phil’s determination to build it and the positivism shown. I will subscribe to his site as soon as he starts. Good on you taking the challenge ✊🏼✊🏼

[@mdenbraver2136]

Hi Phil, I am really looking forward to you building this kit. I saw my first Halifax at Elvington a few weeks ago and the Halifax and those who operated them deserve a lot more attention. Thanks and greetz from Holland.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

I've seen the beautifully restored Halifax bomber at the Canadian Air Force Museum in Trenton, Ontario. Best of luck with the assembly of this Halifax kit and thanks for sharing!

[@stephenlovelock5563]

Hi Phil. I had and built this kit approx 10yrs ago i was surprised to find that you could build this kit with the use of the instructions and extra photos and books,it did take a while but I thought that it looked an o,k model when built and painted unfortunately when moving stuff about the room it was kept it got knocked of its shelf and destroyed much to my disappointment,it did look good next to my Lancaster,i would really love to have this kit again,i have their Hampden bomber which i intend to build in the very near future,i really hope you enjoy the build you should have no major problems,you know what i enjoyed most was that it was a real model that required skills that you never new you had,all the best with this Halifax bomber build.

[@StephenDawson-ih5mm]

Hi I got a friend of mine to build this for me a few years ago because when I first looked in the box I turned around and ran a mile.But when it is finished it does turn out to be a good kit .The clear parts are crap and all in all I gave it a 7 out of 10. Thanks Steve U.K.

[@davidalexander2007]

Looking forward to this project

[@ernieagent6728]

LOoks like a great kit ,if you enjoy doing a bit of work...{old time modeling] Have fun Ernie

[@tomprobert10]

Hi Phil - I’ve just finished this kit after 7 years on and off! You’ll certainly have your work cut out but it’s worth it as it builds into an impressive model when done. Be prepared for lots of mismatched parts, warped fuselages and interior parts that really don’t fit well - I scratch built the interior and bomb bays on mine. DK Decals do a nice aftermarket set for it - we’ll worth getting. I also found that when I started to clean the surface up the plastic started to delaminate in places - be aware when sanding. Good luck!

[@kenhanson1819]

Great review Phil! I love your sense of humor and really laughed out loud when you showed "The gun for shooting around corners." That and the bag of resin "crumbs". Seriously though, I know you'll be able to turn it into a great looking model. I remember watching you videos of the Mach One VC-10 build you did and being thoroughly impressed with the end result. Cheers!

[@jostewert]

I've given the review a like, not for the kit, but for your positive attitude, sense of humour, and bravery for not using it in a crash site diorama. Still need to ask though, what have you done to Matt we all don't know about?? 😂😉

[@richw0123]

I would love to build that kit, I like making basic parts fit and all that. I think I would make a load of sprue goo to fill all the panel lines and control surface joins, as its the best for re-scribing into. Then just sand everthing off and start from scratch.

[@davidryall-flanders6353]

The sarcasm is strong with this one.

[@Andy.Gledhill.Models.]

Never heard of the manufacturer. I think I am glad of that fact lol.

[@lorneyoung6298]

Built this kit when it was originally released. Best described as an ejection moulded vacuform kit. Replaced most of the interior with scratch made details as many of the parts were either too crude for my liking, grossly inaccurate, E.G. the pilots seat or just didn't fit such as the area forward of the cockpit. Tail turret has nice resin but had to add sides to the travel slots with clear plastic card. Turret lacks a back so I had to dig a suitable facsimile out of my spare parts box. Used the Turret from a Classic Airframes Defiant for reference for building the upper Turret. Vacuformed transparencies were a bit foggy but fixed by dipping in future floor wax. Used the wings from a Sanger kit as the kit wings seemed to be a bit too thin when compared to drawings. Also converted it to a Mk2! Lots of work scratch building the merlin nacelles and adding aftermarket props. Took a year to build but the end result was extremely satisfying. Suitable for modeling masochists. Found photos of the Halifax restoration from the museum in Trenton Ontario and a scratch made model. Very valuable reference material.

[@davidkavanagh189]

The instrument panel is moulded correctly. The side opposite the pilot seat is sloped differently for better visibility on the real aircraft.

[@davidgoddard594]

I hope Phil builds it and gets to the end of the build. Then a new tool 1/48th Halifax will be released for sure.

[@MatterusOD]

Truly frightening. Reminds me of the lumpy, flashy FROG kits of my late 60's youth. Such (strained) optimism in your prebuild review had me laughing (a lot). Thank you. Over 6000 of all variants made and not one was preserved. All rebuilt from recovered crashed aircraft. My Dad flew in HP Halifax III's with 466 Sq out of Driffield (RAAF). As you mentioned, a new 1/48 from a modern manufacturer, would be fantastic. Flown in many variants by many countries, whoever does it (well) will sell a stack of kits! Best of luck with the build, (which I will definitely follow). Again, thanks for the entertaining vid. Matt 🦘🦘🦘

[@ianmaw1585]

Good starting point, Get yourself some after market Beaufighter engines, some Lancaster turrets and spare props for the build, and you will be half way there.

[@markfranks1329]

Excellent suggestion.👍 Doing something similar on a 48th Trumpeter Wimpey III.

[@johnhughes2653]

I managed to score one of these off Ebay. My two decal sheets had been stored face-to-face and had welded firmly together. I was surprised to find there were 3rd party decals available. Also picked up the FM 1/48 Hampden too.

[@Mike-mm4mx]

Never heard of FM. This looks a real challenge. More a fighter modeller than bomber but look forward to seeing it finished by your capable hands. Happy Christmas!

[@Mangoshake2021]

FM also known as Fonderie Miniature

[@Duececoupe]

By the sound of it, someone is trying to stay positive! 😉😆😂

[@johnnoble01]

The control panel may be ok. If i recall the Halifax had a asymmetric CP. I could be wrong but i made a Matchbox one a decade ago and i used some plans in a book that showed sections through the fuz and I'm sure it showed the CP.

[@davidkavanagh189]

This is correct. The side opposite the pilot seat is sloped differently for better visibility.

[@mikehanson7328]

You should have a look at the 1/48 Casadio Spitfires and Focke Wulfs

[@allgood6760]

Thanks for this 👍✈️🇳🇿

[@lovermansmith9082]

Cool 😊

[@brendanberry8852]

@florymodels Phil I'm doing their Hampden next year, I've been thinking of posting it on the forum as well I think I will be okay with the size but. 🙏 for me, sir the Halibag would be a bridge too far I reckon 😅. I will post up as well

[@mikemontgomery2654]

My main concern would be any fit issues. I thought I saw "some" instruction on putting the engines together on there....

[@simonallen6427]

Could you replace the engines with resin aftermarket ones because the egines were used on more than one type?

[@organicpaul]

Look forward to the build.........!

[@iangoldstraw6002]

Good review..but DO NOT fill those panel lines between the fuselage and inner engine nacelle on the underside, as they were actually bomb doors !!..Otherwise plenty of TLC needed to build this. .

[@markfranks1329]

This kit is daunting, without doubt. However, half the battle will be the clean-up. Spend time and effort in cleaning every component, plastic, resin and metal of flash, do lots of dry fitting and it will be much more appealing to have a go at. I guarantee it. This is a model of the old school. How plastic kits once were. For those who've tackled this kit and products of a similar nature, well done. This is proper modelling. From some comments, it's obvious noses will be turned up at this kit. Why? Because it involves thought and skill. Too many so called modellers and armchair experts have been spoilt by modern production techniques and aftermarket and anything else is an insult. 'Why hasn't it got this? It should have had that!' Moan, moan. Criticize, criticize. They enjoy having their botties wiped for them. Jeez! I like Tamiya kits, too before anyone has a go. It's just that I like to challenge myself as well occasionally and not be pampered all the time.😄

[@mattjohnson7369]

I need to bust mine out, simply because I know if people start to build theirs a large manufacturer will release one.

[@Filmman586]

😮

[@walkingandadventures6114]

It probably needs someone with Phil’s skills to do this, definitely beyond me..

[@Xandina1]

I built one of these about 17 years ago, aweful kit but thats because of its limited run

[@markstott6689]

I like and enjoy a challenge. This, however, looks like a complete nightmare. Even if money was no object, I'd rather live in the hope of someone else releasing a new 1/48 kit.

[@akhalif68]

Phil sounds to me like the Halifax has been ignored by kit makers because its the forgotten work-horse of bomber command...

[@Jackdaw5]

Life is too short...

[@ladyknieval]

"A gun for shooting around corners..."😂

[@alistairscott137]

Phil I think you must be a glutton for punishment😅

[@sloppyfadge9565]

When you looked at the instructions sheet we never saw the “C” page, I assume that’s the engines.

[@johnhughes2653]

It's the tail wheel.

[@kittyhawk9707]

erm .. I have just decided ..i really don't need a Halifax mk 3 in my life .... Life should be enjoyable ..and it is also far to short .. so i will pass

[@robertmunoz7543]

You don't want to pay $300 evilbay asking prices?🙄 Jman

[@kittyhawk9707]

I wouldn't even pay $3 for that turd .. @@robertmunoz7543

[@derwinemro3855]

Had that kit years ago. Worst kit I ever had a go at!!

[@geordie_mech]

No thanks. That looks like far too much work. It would kill my mojo

[@grumble9160]

Junk, waste of money

[@michaelcapell790]

It's 'orrible, move on.