1/48

Modelling the 'Impala' in 1/48 scale.

ESCI MB-326 'IMPALA' Mk1 - kit no. 4077

The big error on the Mk1 kit is the wrong size wingtip tanks as the SAAF used the larger wingtip tanks on both the Mk1 and Mk2. Easiest way is to use spare Mk2 wingtip tanks provided a number of these kits are in your collection. Unfortunately for most, these kits are not as common as a few years ago. So scratch building (basically tedious sanding) to get the correct tanks are the only option.The next eyesore is the narrow instrument panel in the rear cockpit. This can be made from thin plasticard. Construct the cockpit layout as specified in the instructions and then do the modification before you carry on. Simply cut a piece of plasticard the width of the canopy top and about 3mm wide. Attach this piece of paper on top of the rear instrument panel. The aft part should be flush with the instrument panel while the front will just be touching the front ejection seat. Paint the piece of paper the same colour as the rest of the cockpit interior (Light grey - Humbrol 64).

The next problem is the absence of the canopy beam and its  attached jack. Both are easy to solve. Cut a piece of stretched sprue (about 0.5mm thick) the width of the canopy. Note that the canopy beam is square and not round. But sprue filed to most shapes, retain the shape if stretched under a open flame. The position is about  0,5 to 1mm forward of the rear instrument panel and behind the front ejection seat.  The divebrake jack is used to make up the canopy jack. Rework the jack so that it is  about 3/4 the length of the canopy beam and above the rear instrument panel, the  thick part to the right, and the thin part to the left. The canopy beam is painted Matt  black, while the thick part of the canopy jack is painted Light Grey and the thin part aluminum.

The last problem is the electrical and hydraulic panels on the  sides of the fuselage just above the wing trailing edge. This panels do not exist on  the SAAF ' Impala' MK1. Use the good old filler, filing and sanding to get rid of them. Last point on the ' Impala' MK1. Don't fit the ILS antennas on the  nose or tailplane.  As used by the SAAF, the aircraft is not equipped with these antennas The little  hole in the nose should however be retained as it is one of the inlets to the  aircraft's ECS.

This kit was re-released with some upgraded parts and SAAF decals by Italeri.

ESCI MB-326K ' IMPALA' Mk2 - kit no. 4060 

The big error on the Impala MK2 is the recommended stores in the kit. Although other clients did, the SAAF did not acquire the SUU-11A/A 7.62mm mini gun pods (parts 41 - 44). But controrary to other modelling reviews the SAAF did use the 12.7mm machine gun pods on both the Mk1 & Mk2. However these pods weren't normally carried in the operational area.  The problem is the suggested rocket pods. Due to SA's hot& high conditions the SAAF did not use the suggested rocket pod, but opted for the smaller Matra F2 pods with 6 rounds of 68mm rockets. Under actual combat conditions these rockets packed a heavy punch.