Cockpit
This is finely detailed with plenty of raised detail in the instrument panels plus a decent pair of Martin Baker Mk.3 ejection seats and lightly moulded handles all that will paint and weather up well. The Javelin’s cockpit interior is pretty much all black so you won’t see as much as you might think but still it will be worth painting it dark grey (scale black) and lightening that detail so it can be seen.
The seats lack a harness and you will need to add these but this is hardly a chore – it’s nice to have some detailing to do but of course one of the resin or photo-etch aftermarket manufacturers will doubtless see a good opportunity to save you the ‘bother’ here.
Undercarriage
The units are well detailed and the bays are very good showing authentic depth and internal rib detail.
Engines
You get full length trunking and that’s very worthwhile when you add the engine fan blades and the delicate reheat / afterburner rings one the ends of the exhaust pipes – no need for resin here. Indeed, my feeling already is that there is no need for any resin or aftermarket at all, what’s included is perfectly adequate.
Options
These are plentiful and well done, all allowing you to add interest to your finished model and include:
- Dropped or closed flaps
- Four fuel drop tanks
- Twin conformal belly tanks
- Dropped and raised airbrakes
- Positionable rudder
- Four Firestreak AAMs (with separate clear seeker heads)
- In Flight Refuelling (IFR) probe
- Crew access ladder.
Clear parts
The canopies are separate of course but what strikes you on close examination is how beautifully thin and fine they are. Another nice touch is that separate canopy sills are also provided depending on whether you select the open or closed options – clever.
All the clear parts are very clear with no distortion or defects.
