Tamiya 1/72 De Havilland Mosquito FB Mk.VI/NF Mk.II

Introduction

The De Havilland Mosquito, a versatile twin-engine aircraft, was designed in 1939 with the concept of a "high-speed bomber that outruns fighters." Leveraging experience with wooden aircraft like the DH88 Comet, de Havilland focused on a smooth wooden wing surface to save aluminum and utilize the domestic woodworking industry during wartime. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, the Mosquito's fuselage was primarily constructed from treated wood, with metal parts limited to engine peripherals and landing gear.

Initially, the British Air Ministry was hesitant due to its wooden construction and lack of armament. However, its impressive maiden flight speed of 630 km/h, surpassing the Spitfire's 580 km/h at the time, led to significant orders. Numerous variants were developed, including the Night-Fighter Mk.II, equipped with four 7.7mm machine guns and AI Mk.IV radar, which excelled at intercepting German night bombers. The Fighting-Bomber Mk.VI, armed with four 225kg bombs and eight rockets, saw combat from March 1943, causing devastation to ground and sea forces, and was also effective against Japanese targets in Burma, particularly railway infrastructure. The Mosquito's wooden structure proved surprisingly resilient to battle damage, earning it the trust of pilots on dangerous missions.

Safety Precautions and Recommended Tools

Safety Warnings

• Exercise extreme caution when using tools, especially sharp ones like knives and nippers, to avoid injury.
• Read and follow the instructions for adhesives and paints before use. Ensure adequate ventilation when using them.
• Do not allow young children to play with the kit. There is a risk of them swallowing small parts or suffocating from plastic bags.

Recommended Tools

• Cement (for plastic models)
• Side cutters
• Modeling knife
• Pin vise (with 1mm and 1.5mm drill bits)

Paint Color Codes

The following Tamiya paint codes are referenced:

• AS-9 Dark Green (RAF)
• AS-10 Ocean Grey (RAF)
• AS-11 Medium Sea Grey (RAF)
• AS-12 Bare-Metal Silver
• TS-6 Matt Black
• X-10 Gun Metal
• X-11 Chrome Silver
• X-18 Semi Gloss Black
• XF-1 Flat Black
• XF-2 Flat White
• XF-3 Flat Yellow
• XF-5 Flat Green
• XF-7 Flat Red
• XF-9 Hull Red
• XF-16 Flat Aluminum
• XF-21 Sky
• XF-23 Light Blue
• XF-27 Black Green
• XF-54 Dark Sea Grey
• XF-55 Deck Tan
• XF-56 Metallic Grey
• XF-57 Buff
• XF-65 Field Grey

Selectable Variants

This kit allows for the construction of three different variants. Select one before assembly:

• Variant A: FB Mk.VI, 487 Squadron
• Variant B: FB Mk.VI, 143 Squadron
• Variant C: NF Mk.II, 157 Squadron

Assembly Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble the model. Parts and paint codes are indicated.

Step 2: Wing Undersurface Assembly

Assemble the wing undersurfaces using parts B7, B10, E1, and B9. Use a mixture of paints: XF-5 (1 part), XF-21 (3 parts), and XF-65 (1 part). A star symbol [⭐] indicates where to drill a hole.

Step 3: Wing Assembly

Assemble the main wings using parts B3 and B4. Use paint X-18 for assembly.

Step 4: Main Landing Gear (Left) Assembly

Assemble the left main landing gear using parts A2, C6, C7, C8, C1, C10, C11, and C9. Use paints XF-16, XF-1, X-11, XF-7, and XF-9. Pay attention to the correct tire rotation direction as shown in the diagram.

Step 5: Main Landing Gear (Right) Assembly

Assemble the right main landing gear using parts A3, C6, C7, C8, C1, C10, C11, and C9. Use paints XF-16, XF-1, X-11, XF-7, and XF-9. Ensure correct tire rotation direction.

Step 6: Attaching Landing Gear

Attach the assembled landing gear (left and right) to the fuselage using parts C4 and C5. Use paints AS-12 and XF-16.

Step 7: Bomb Assembly

Assemble two 225kg bombs using parts D11, D12, C12, C13, and C14. Use paints AS-11, AS-12, and XF-27.

Step 8: Rocket Assembly

Assemble the rockets (armor-piercing type) using parts C16, C20, C21, C25, C26, and C27. Use paints XF-55, XF-2, XF-1, and XF-27.

Step 9: Instrument Panel Assembly

Assemble the instrument panel using parts D1, D9, and D16. Use paint X-18. Apply decals as indicated by the numbers on the parts.

Step 10: Cockpit Assembly

Assemble the cockpit using parts E8, D14, D5, D6, D2, and D15. Use paint X-18 and XF-57, and paint mixtures. Remove parts as indicated by a star symbol [⭐].

Step 11: Attaching Pilot Seats

Attach the pilot seats and associated equipment, including transmitter T1154 (A17) and receiver R1155 (A18), to the cockpit structure using parts A19, A16, A14, and A5. Use paints XF-27, X-18, and paint mixtures (XF-5, XF-21, XF-65).

Step 12: Fuselage Assembly

Assemble the main fuselage halves using parts D10, D13, A12, and A13. Use paint X-10 and paint mixtures (XF-5, XF-21, XF-65). Cut out areas marked with a star symbol [⭐].

Step 13: Lower Fuselage Assembly

Assemble the lower fuselage section using parts D7, D6, D3, D4, and A15. Use paint X-18 and paint mixtures (XF-5, XF-21, XF-65).

Step 14: Attaching Wings

Attach the main wings to the fuselage using parts A6, A7, B8, and B12. Use paints XF-16, XF-1, and X-11. The left wing attachment is the same as the right.

Step 15: Propeller Assembly

Assemble two propellers using parts A, B, C17, C22, C23, C15, E3, E6, B6, B5, B1, and B2. Use paints XF-3, XF-2, and XF-23. Note the wing tip parts (E3, E6) and the propeller hub parts (B6, B5, B1, B2).

Step 16: Canopy Assembly

Assemble the canopy using parts E7 and E9. Remove parts as indicated by a star symbol [⭐].

Step 17: Attaching Propeller

Attach the assembled propellers to the engine nacelles using parts A1, C24, and D8. Use paint X-11. Attach part C24 to both wing ends from the undersurface.

Painting and Decal Application

Painting Schemes

FB Mk.VI: Aircraft deployed from 1943 featured a standard RAF camouflage scheme of Dark Green and Ocean Grey on the upper surfaces, and Medium Sea Grey on the lower surfaces. Some aircraft also had a monotone Dark Sea Grey finish on the upper surfaces.

NF Mk.II: Initially painted in overall flat or semi-gloss black. Detail painting instructions are provided within the assembly steps.

Decal Application Guide

1. Cut out the desired decal with scissors.
2. Dip the decal in lukewarm water for about 10 seconds, then place it on a clean cloth.
3. Hold the edge of the backing sheet and slide the decal onto the model.
4. Move the decal into the correct position by wetting it with your finger.
5. Gently press the decal with a soft cloth to remove excess water and air bubbles.

Decal Placement Diagrams

The following diagrams show decal placement for different aircraft variants:

• Variant A: 487 Squadron FB Mk.VI MM417/EG-T. Placement of decals 8, 11, 2, 1, 3, 13, 24, 42, 32, 31, 30, 21, 5.
• Variant B: 143 Squadron FB Mk.VI RS625/NE-D. Placement of decals 8, 10, 13, 5, 25, 19. Uses paint XF-54 and XF-55.
• Variant C: 157 Squadron NF Mk.II W4087/RS-B. Placement of decals 12, 29. Uses paint TS-6.
• Variant C (Alternative): 157 Squadron NF Mk.II. Placement of decals 14, 6, 16, 9. Uses paint TS-6.

After Market Service

Information is provided for ordering replacement parts from Tamiya dealers or directly from Tamiya's after-service department. Details include part codes and contact information.