Initial look with Rob Ruscoe (June 2023)
A rather large box arrived on the doorstep the other day courtesy of Mike Jolly. This is the brand new release from HK Models and is a kit of one of my favourite aeroplanes – the Douglas Havoc otherwise known as the Boston when used as a bomber by the Royal Air Force.
Opening the box revealed a mass of sprues, each one individually wrapped and with additional protection to the clear components. A single small sheet of photo etch and markings for three aircraft are contained in another bag and a nicely laid out booklet comprises the instructions.
VIDEO DEMO
The nicest surprise was the stressed skin effect moulded into the airframe. I think Airfix were the first to produce this effect on a mainstream kit and of course Peter Jackson insisted on this ‘oil canning’ on the Wingnut Wings Lancaster. I don’t know if the expense of this contributed to WW sad demise but, of course, Border Models benefitted by taking over the moulds to produce a very nice model. Unfortunately, the Lanc is way out of my price range. Now, however, HK have given us this quality of moulding for less than a third of the price.
The fuselage halves with the subtle stressed skin effect and with nice rib detail on the interior. Note also HKs usual slide fit attachment for the wings which make them demountable.
Port wing sprue again endeavouring to show the lovely ‘oil canning’ and also the fabric effect on the aileron. Similar sprue of course, for the starboard wing.
The engine nacelles, again showing nice detail along with the firewalls and flap sections.
The nose section with internal fittings and the .50 calibre machine guns. The barrels are slide moulded and look okay-ish but, a set of aftermarket barrels would be an improvement here. HK are obviously planning other versions of the aircraft which will hopefully include a glass nose Boston.
The one piece engine cowlings along with a choice of open or closed cooling gills. Separate sprue with the main multi-part undercarriage legs and weighted wheels and tyres. Another small sprue has the two carburettor air intakes.
These three sprues contain the nicely moulded detail parts for the cockpit, turret, nose wheel and bomb bay. The instrument panel and pedestals are moulded in one piece with three decals on the sheet to bring them to life. The pilot’s seat looks to be of scale thickness and the entrance hatch for the gunner, is posable.
More interior parts, demonstrating lovely detailing on walls and bulkheads. That wiring will really pop out with a dark wash!
The fin and tailplanes (vertical and horizontal stabilizers to those across the pond), again demonstrating the stressed skin along with the elevators and rudder with their nice fabric effect.
Starboard wing. I know I’m banging on about oil cans but I really think this raises the bar with regards to scale aircraft models.
Showing just one of two identical engine sprues. The Wright R2600 Twin Cyclone, 14 Cylinder engine looks like a kit in itself. Just an ignition harness for the super detailers to add here.
The (crystal) clear sprue parts have additional protection in the form of clear tape to prevent any chance of scratching.
The initial production run of the kit means you get a poster of the box artwork along with moulded nose weights. Initially I couldn’t find these weights in the box but then noticed them with their bag stapled to the side of the inside of the lid to prevent them rattling round and breaking plastic. Clever people at HK models!
I hope you can see enough of the decal sheet and photo etch in their bag as I wanted to leave them there until required. The decals should perform well, being printed by Cartograf.
Summary
I had been looking forward to receiving this kit and this initial inspection doesn’t disappoint. Having built their Do335, Meteor and B25 Mitchell, I expect this latest offering from HK to exhibit the same great fit of components. I will start the build straight away so we shall soon see!
Rob R.
| FEATURE | STAR RATING |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | ***** |
| Level of detail | ***** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | ***** |