Tamiya 60753 - 1:72 De Havilland Mosquito B Mk.IV / PR Mk.IV

Plastic model kit of the de Havilland Mosquito B Mk.IV / PR Mk.IV in 1:72 scale

Tamiya 60753 depicts the de Havilland Mosquito in the B Mk.IV bomber and PR Mk.IV reconnaissance versions – glazed-nose variants that differ from the fighter-bomber Mosquitoes. It was these versions of the famous 'Wooden Wonder' that carried out precision bombing raids and reconnaissance flights deep over enemy territory, including searches for V2 rocket sites.

The kit is from Tamiya's own tooling, supplemented with new parts to capture the glazed nose and equipment of the B Mk.IV and PR Mk.IV. The decals finish the aircraft in one of three schemes: two bomber and one reconnaissance.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wings, engine nacelles and tail parts
• New parts for the B Mk.IV (bomber) and PR Mk.IV (reconnaissance) versions, including the glazed nose
• Clear parts for the canopy and nose glazing
• Waterslide decal sheet for 3 marking options (2 bomber + 1 reconnaissance)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Item number: 60753
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 172.5 mm, wingspan: 229 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. Before gluing, decide which version – B Mk.IV bomber or PR Mk.IV reconnaissance – you are building, as they differ in equipment. Paint the cockpit interior and the glazed nose before closing the fuselage; self-adhesive masks help with the glazing.

Mosquito B Mk.IVs usually wore RAF Bomber Command camouflage (dark green and grey on top, light underside), while PR reconnaissance aircraft were often painted in overall PRU Blue. Lay the decals over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, then finish with a satin varnish. The instructions provide paint references for all schemes.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Gloss varnish for the decals and a satin coat to finish
• Optional: self-adhesive canopy masks

About the aircraft – de Havilland Mosquito (B Mk.IV / PR Mk.IV):

The Mosquito was designed as a fast bomber of wooden construction that would evade interception through speed rather than defensive armament. The B Mk.IV bomber version carried its bomb load in an internal bay and flew precision, low-level raids against high-value targets.

The PR Mk.IV reconnaissance version, unarmed and fitted with cameras, used its speed and altitude to fly recon sorties deep over enemy territory. The Mosquito's versatility made it one of the most important RAF aircraft of the war.

Original aircraft specifications (de Havilland Mosquito):

• Length: approx. 12.43 m
• Wingspan: 16.51 m
• Height: approx. 4.65 m
• Max take-off weight: approx. 10,000 kg
• Powerplant: 2 Rolls-Royce Merlin inline engines (V12, liquid-cooled), approx. 1,480 hp each
• Max speed: approx. 580 km/h (depending on version)
• Armament (B Mk.IV): bomb load in an internal bay; PR Mk.IV: unarmed, fitted with cameras
• Crew: 2
• Construction: largely wooden

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. Tamiya's own-tooled kits are popular with beginners and experienced modellers alike, combining accurate detail with thoughtfully engineered, enjoyable assembly. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.