Zvezda Fairey Battle - 1/144 Scale Plastic Model Kit - Build & Review

The Fairey Battle was a single-engined light bomber which saw service with the RAF from the late 1930's. Designed as a replacement for the earlier biplane bombers, it was found that the Fairey Battle was not much of an improvement and was considered obsolete by the outbreak of the second world war. Although it had some success against the advancing German army in France, high losses of this aircraft meant that it was withdrawn from front-line service and found use as a training aircraft.
Join me in this video as I build the Zvezda plastic model kit of the Fairey battle in 1/144 scale.
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This video is intended for adult scale model enthusiasts.
Music:
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Used under Creative Commons License
#zvezda #faireybattle #modelkit

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

Decals as you have applied them are correct. Squadron code should read HA-J. Being originally a night bomber the Battle had black undersides even in day use until relegated to target tug duties. Zvezda kits are usually excellent and have a nice, easy to work with plastic. Just because they are usually "cheap" and Russian don't overlook them. I have several and they are one of my favourite manufacturers.

[@ModelMinutes]

Andy Richards I found an image of the aircraft with the code in the other order when I was on google. The port side is right as per the instructions but not the starboard side

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

@@ModelMinutes there are both layouts. The correct "specified" one is Squadron (two letters or letter number) roundel aircraft ident (single letter). It should reflect the ability to read it out as per how it would be written eg HA-J or LQ-N

[@ModelMinutes]

Andy Richards so you’re saying that what I’ve done is perfectly acceptable?

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

@@ModelMinutes basically yes

[@ModelMinutes]

@@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835 Yay! :D

[@PeteCourtier]

That’s your best yet👍 I built the Airfix Hurricane and used humbrol sprays. The canopy is good🍺 1/144 kits are getting really good now. Top work.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! how were those humbrol sprays?

[@PeteCourtier]

Model Minutes. They are really good. Tamiya are a bit better, but pricier. Sprays are a bit wasteful but you can decant them with a straw when they get low. There’s a good video from Rebels at cloud nine on this. I think they have a more “restricted “ nozzle. So you don’t dump too much paint in one pass. I got great results. Cheers mate👍🍺

[@ModelMinutes]

@@PeteCourtier Oh yea, I think i saw that one - also saw a video on different nozzles you can buy too, but can't remember who did that one

[@swing.wing_singh]

Beautiful build. Love the little model. The camo came out nicely.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! Yes, I was quite pleased with this one

[@adambosnialalo]

What a beautiful plane and really well made model

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! :D

[@chrispacer4231]

Aug 31st 2020...working on a 1/144 Japanese float plane...JAKE...from a company AHM... bought it for 1.00$ at a toy fair.... found N gauge RR figures and put 3 aircrew in it ... added the rigging and more struts to the floats... used clear sheet plastic and made a simulated spinning prop... haven’t painted it yet... want to see how you did the canopy... pretty much the same type...

[@chrispacer4231]

I’ve been wiping my models down with denatured alcohol and a cotton ball ... doesn’t hurt the plastic... before painting...yes I’ll hand paint the canopy... nice job...have to use my SUPER DUPER MAGNIFYING GLASSES for the canopy... nice job... yes I would buy something like this

[@ModelMinutes]

I painted the canopy carefully by hand on this one

[@cygnusx10]

"the canopy could be a bit of a nightmare if you want to mask it..." Try masking all the glass in a 1/144th Ju88. Canopy, nose cone and a... 'trough'? underneath the cockpit for a rearward/down facing gunner, then get back to me on your definition of 'nightmare'. I like what you did with this... but yeah, once you spot those RAF roundels out of register you can't unsee them. What a shame as the rest of it looks like a reasonable kit. Nice finish.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I certainly don't envy you with your Ju 88 :P

[@GregsModels]

These are very nice kits. Beautiful result.

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

Fantastic job on the Fairey Battle Matt! These 1/144 scale kits are both simple and fun but challenging in many ways .Especially with painting that canopy! I've got this kit somewhere in my stash (was planning of going for an Irish Air Corps Battle or Turkish Battle) and I'm dreading the painting of the canopy. I'll be fishing out the liquid mask for that! Some 1/144 kits are issuing decals for the canopy frame, which would have been a god send for you! Anyway great job Matt

[@ModelMinutes]

I don't know how I feel about decals on clear parts . .. .Thanks for watching!

[@ShuttleFactoryScaleModels]

@@ModelMinutes I've got a pair of 1/144 ww2 Japanese aircraft kits that come with decals for the canopy frame.............I'll let u know if they are any good

[@ModelMinutes]

Shuttle Factory awesome! ☺️

[@johnkelley9877]

Great build review Matt! Thanks for your honest opinion and I would buy it myself but right now I am thinking of getting some of their 1/144 British armor. I particularly like the Cruiser Mk. IV and the Matilda Mk. !

[@ModelMinutes]

Isn't the armour 1/100 scale (for wargaming?)

[@johnkelley9877]

@@ModelMinutes Your right, it is 1/100. I think I will get a couple to get back into the game again.

[@ModelMinutes]

John Kelley nice!

[@rodrigoanunezrivolta9267]

Nice build and excellent approach. Without fancy tools you got a great looking model. You inspired to get some zvezda models (got a Hs129 and a Mi24). Regards, from Argentina

[@ModelMinutes]

Cool, thanks :D

[@areciocolmenares3819]

I have special interest by this scale models, small, cute .. lovely ..! Is a good project, not complicated and quick. particularly I prefer not paint with spray cans, because the valve is very big, and the paint it come out very thick. Beautiful model, congratulations..!

[@ModelMinutes]

Yes, spray paints can be a little difficult - fortunately I was able to get an ok finish on the bottom of this one

[@oceanvibesphotography8395]

Your vids r getting really good I’m every much enjoying them your models have also improved 🍻🇦🇺

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying them :D

[@johnmajane3731]

Such talent making such a small model come out so well.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks!

[@andrewoconnor5108]

Another really interesting subject Matt. Wouldn't mind a crack at this myself.

[@ModelMinutes]

It's a neat little kit :D

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Great looking build

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! :D

[@neilhaas6024]

Nice plane I want for myself

[@ModelMinutes]

I recommend you get one!

[@brianartillery]

That model reminded me of the range of 1/144 scale aircraft made by Revell in the late 1970's. Quite a big range, too.

[@ModelMinutes]

I've built a couple over the years

[@eagleash1]

This kit came as a 'freebie' with a recent issue of "Model Aircraft" magazine, without any instructions or box, or paint guidance and as far as I could see, no content in the actual mag. Therefore pleasantly surprised to stumble on this vid. while researching the 'Battle' generally. As only an occasional or casual modeller it was pretty useful.

[@ModelMinutes]

I'm glad you found it useful! yes, the instructions do leave a lot to be desired

[@eagleash1]

@@ModelMinutes Haha; there were no instructions, just the parts (no stand) with the free kit. I'd done a 'dry run' but your vid was a great help.

[@minimodelers8508]

Lovely build and a lovely video!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks!

[@johndungate482]

Excellent build Matt! I enjoy building the Zvezda Hawker Hurricane- a great little kit. Zvezda produce a good range of 1/144 scale kits. Sweet produce a lovely Hurricane in the same scale- you get two kits in a box; a little more expensive but, they're lovely models. I think you did a great job with the painting- by brush too! I always learn something new when watching build videos- materials, techniques etc. It doesn't matter that it's a simple kit, the preparation and finish to produce a good model- that's the skill of the hobby. You did a first class job with the canopy.....!! I usually go online to check the location of the roundels and lettering etc. and paint schemes- as there are so many variations! Keep up the good work; have you considered model ships?

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks! I'd like to get the hurricane. I do have some model ships - im currently working on the Airfix Mary Rose and have others in the stash to do too!

[@modelamator7487]

Great I really like it looks fantastic Greetings Marcin !!!

[@ModelMinutes]

Thanks for watching! :D

[@jantimmer5558]

Looks great!

[@ModelMinutes]

Cheers!

[@allhaillordtachanka1957]

Done with livestream class I can watch now

[@ModelMinutes]

Haha! Awesome

[@julianmhall]

A much underrated aircraft.. I'd love to see a 1:72 set of the aircraft actually based in France and Belgium in 1939/40. Hurricane, Battle and Whitley.

[@ModelMinutes]

that would be cool

[@chrissmodels]

Very nicely done :-)

[@ModelMinutes]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@NanatsukiBenio]

Lest We Forget Maastricht bridge attack..... those were from 12Sqn though~

[@ModelMinutes]

Indeed

[@MC-dk4gh]

How’d you make that small kit, look great

[@ModelMinutes]

Haha! Just a bit of patience and care I think

[@ashleybishop9937]

I actually bought 5 of these for wargaming, and I suppose this might be the difference between modelling genres. The models I make for wargaming have to be robust and identifiable, whereas those for modelling require a bit more work. It was disappointing that a paint scheme wasn’t included and this seems to be standard for the Zvezda models but I was able to google up a decent scheme which I think was another brand instruction sheet. I compromised with the markings as it wasn’t important for the use they were going to have and I need to source more letters. Painting that canopy was soul destroying! Having been a 1/72 scale modeller since the 70’s however making these and the Bf109s, Hurricanes, Hs126’s, JU87’s in 1/144 have spurred me to look at more 1/144 scale models. I also did the Zvezda 1/200 JU52, JU88 and Blenheim but I think this is a bit too small. As for the placing of decals, look at Rexs Hanger Fairey Battle you tube, it shows pictures of 218sqn (HA) from both sides and the HA appears to be on the tailplane side of the roundel on either side.

[@ModelMinutes]

thanks for the info!

[@ednitram]

May I suggest you start mentioning the need of using a mask and have good ventilation when spray painting. I usually go outside to spray from cans. I use a spray booth for airbrushing.

[@ModelMinutes]

A great suggestion! I actually do mention an element of the safety with spraying in my next build video - I'd like to get a booth in the future though

[@martindebattista6140]

@@ModelMinutes You can build one yourself or buy one. There are many videos on KZbin on how to build one.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@martindebattista6140 Yes! They look very interesting - I just don't have the money to get one (or the parts to build one) at the moment

[@martindebattista6140]

@@ModelMinutes My first spray booth was a large box from an Amazon delivery and the extractor fan was a bathroom fan I bought from Amazon for around £15.

[@ModelMinutes]

@@martindebattista6140 oh wow - how effective was it?

[@thomasmccloughlin4991]

This kit was also modelled as the sole Battle in the Irish Air Corps here: www.tapatalk.com/groups/ipms_ireland_forum/fairey-battle-t3077.html

[@ModelMinutes]

cool!