Reviewer’s Name: Tom Potter
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Initial Assessment…
On opening the box I was struck by the quality of the mouldings in this kit. On close inspection the rivet detail in some cases was moulded with cross head screws, although I haven’t counted to see if there is the correct number! This is something I have not seen before, even in mainstream kits.
One very noticeable feature on the main parts, i.e. the fuselage and wings is that there are no locating pins. Now, some may not like this, but I am OK with it as I sometimes find that these are a hindrance rather than a help.
What’s in the Box…
Apart from the sprue with the fuselage and wings there are another three and these include a couple of bombs to hang under the wings and two types of drop tanks: the normal F-80 type and, also, the larger Misawa tank.
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There is also some resin which provides two types of wheels, both main and nose, a beautifully rendered seat. There is also a resin pitot tube and I can see that, being so delicate, this may well come to grief at some stage in the build. Also provided is a pre-painted etch set for the instrument panel, rear view mirror and other cockpit fittings.
The instruction sheet is clear and well laid out and appears to have been completed using CAD illustrations.
An excellent decal sheet by Cartograf is included which provides for finishing the model as one of three aircraft, these are:
- 49-650 ‘Saggin Dragon’, 16th FIS, 51st FIW, Suwon, Korea in March 1951
- 49-423 Wing Commander’s aircraft, Lt. Col. Levi Chase, 8th FBW, Suwon, Korea, March 1952.
- 49-765 ‘Li’l Dottie’, 80th FBS, 8th FBW, Lt. Roy Marsh, Taegu, Korea, December 1950.
Overall then…
Altogether a very neat kit and one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Watch out for the build article…
Tom P.