Bristol Mercury

Vector, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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Vector is a new name to me, but they have certainly burst on to the resin accessory scene with a beautifully detailed series of WWII engines.

Vector's 1/48 scale Bristol Mercury is a good example.

The engine comprises 20 parts cast perfectly in grey resin. The crankcase and main section of the engine are cast as a single unit, while each cylinder is presented complete with its pushrod, fine cooling fins and impressive bolt head detail. The bases of the cylinders are also intricately detailed. By the way, ten cylinders are supplied so you will have a spare in case anything goes drastically wrong.

The remaining nine parts are for the manifold piping at the rear of the engine (no spares here!).

Casting blocks are not too daunting. A few seconds careful attention with a razor saw will make short work of removing the parts. Being a single bank, nine cylinder engine, assembly should not present any real complications either. The engine block has nice deep locating holes for each cylinder too.

The Bristol Mercury powerplant was fitted to the Lysander Mk.I/III, Blenheim Mks.I-V, Gladiator Mks. I and II, PZL P.11 and Fokker D.XXI, so there is plenty of potential to show off your exquisite engine.

Vector's 1/48 scale Bristol Mercury is an impressive debut offering, and will represent a great improvement in detail for any of the kits mentioned above.

Recommended.

Thanks to Linden Hill Imports for the review sample.

Vector Engines are available from Linden Hill Imports' website

Review Copyright © 2005 by Brett Green
Page Created 09 June, 2005
Last updated 09 June, 2005

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