by Calum » Sun Nov 19, 2017 9:47 am
I’ve picked up a copy of the kit last weekend, and have been looking at it though the week. To add to Dave’s comments.
It is complicated for a 1/48 single engine prop, much more complicated than the classic Tamiya kit, that said it does contain more detail. It's not a kit I'd give to a kid or a beginner (unlike the Tamiya kit). At a guess I'd say it has the highest part count of any 1/48 ww2 single engined fighter I've seen.
So over engineered is a fair comment IMO (There are 70 steps in the instructions).
It’s obviously been done in a modular issue to accommodate future variants. As long as everything fits however this shouldn’t be an issue… but until I build it I’ll reserve my final judgement
The modular areas that will need to be watched are
• The underside rear air exhaust
• The upper fin piece
• The lower tail wheel fuselage sides
On the plus side, for these parts you will be able to glue them from the inside which should reduce glue marks (Unless you’re like Bruce and struggle with the basics). The instructions are good as well.
Some other comments are
• I agree with Dave about the one style of prop. But I assume we’ll see another boxing next year with an extra sprue with the other prop.
• I wish Airfix would stop stuffing all the sprues, except the clear parts, in one bag.
• Decals look fantastic on the sheet. But this is a feature of the current generation of Airfix kits; thankfully they outsource these to Cartograph. I quite like the option on the box art.
• The cockpit looks great out of the box, I don’t even see the need for a seat as the kit one has belts moulded on and looks great.
• Nice pilot figure but I’d prefer a standing one, rather than a sitting one.
• I agree with Dave re the clear parts, especially the front windscreen. They have the same design as the Tamiya Tomcat. This is easily the best way to mould this particular parts, I wish every kit (that could) had this part done this way.
• Instructions mention assistance from Roy Sutherland and Christian Alamy who are well known Mustang experts.
• I’ve seen these on Facebook for sale in the mid $30. IMHO that’s excellent value for many.
To close, this is the kit for the 2018 NSW model show’s Airfix Cup category so I’d recommend those coming pick one up and enter.