Modelling the 'Impala' in 1/72 scale.

By Phil Cater - SAAF SIG Leader (UK)

The camouflaged model is the Supermodel MB326K which is a very nice sharply moulded kit by current standards, albeit with a little room for improvement. In particular, the seat is rather undersized and is best replaced. Minor detail needs to be added, for example, the tail anti-col light, jet pipe vent and the small white spine aerials. These shortcomings are redeemed by some nice features such as the weapons fit as shown, and airbrake detail. These same comments also apply to the two seater kit, other than weapons, which are not provided.

The really good news is that the MB326K / Imp 2 kit comes with SAAF markings - including nicely printed 7 Sqn badges....  BUT the scheme is the later less inspiring one (for me anyway) - which is devoid of national markings!  So I added markings from the generic Ken Smy 'Castles' set - available from the Aviation Shop Praise be for these generic sheets - without which there would be few SAAF models anywhere!	Author's completed Mk2 in SAAF markings.
In the UK, the kit is relatively expensive for a small 1/72 aircraft, at£7.50 or so, so perhaps South African modellers will have to pay even more over the odds - but to me, it's an interesting aircraft, worth paying the extra for.
Webmaster's note: Unfortunately the MK2 is fitted with the wrong rocket pods in these photos. The SAAF used the smaller Matra F2 pods. See below.
The 85 CFS 'Gannet' was a simple 'spray white then handpaint blue' project, using an Aeroclub MB326, which was simply converted to an Impala 2. (Painted over rear canopy and gun fairings added) The kit is no longer avaliable from John Adams, since the arrival of the better Supermodel offerings. It was a relatively early Aeroclub kit, comprising of a vacform fuselage and injection moulded wings, and a very delicate white metal undercarriage! Aeroclub may still have the larger tip tanks which were not part of the original kit.  Worth buying if seen.

• Herman Potgeiters More than Game - especially for the Gannet - and there are some absolutely superb shots of both Impala types in Potgeiter and Steenkamps Aircraft of the South African Air Force - (including an Imp II as modelled in the camo scheme, on page 76)

Both Supermodel MB326 kits are available from Pronto Models in Italy or the Luchvaart Hobbyshop in the Netherlands, but the Aeroclub kit been discontinued. Cunarmodel of Italy also produced a MB-326 kit a number of years ago, but is rarely seen, these days.  Another Italian company made a 48 MB-326 a number of years ago, but the best kits in 48 are the ones that used to be made by ESCI.