Along with the new forward fuselage halves, there are two seats with handles to pass for both Mk 4 or Mk 6 bang seats, plus the spine of the D version and a new tail cone.
The recessed surface detailing is of the same high standard from the original single seat kits, where you may recall I had some concerns that some of the panel lines were a little wide and soft (rounded) for this scale, but I was proved wrong during the build of the Nesher and once you have some primer on the panel lines turn out just fine.
Read the detailed Finished Now build of the High Planes Nesher S (IAF) 1:72.
Clear parts
The clear parts come on a separate sprue (D) and again look wonderfully crisp and clear, there are options here for a framed or unframed windscreen and an additional canopy for the two seat version, along with a blast screen.
Instructions and colour guide
The instruction sheet is an A4 booklet style printed on both sides. Construction is in exploded view format and details where parts are specific to one version or the other. There is a parts location guide for the sprues and once again HPM give us a decent colour reference chart.
A nice touch is the selection of underwing tanks available, plenty choice here, but no stores other than fuel tanks.
The colour and painting scheme charts also detail the decal positioning. These are full A4 glossy prints on two pages. See what I mean about that Zaire scheme, very tempting. You also get a guide for a scheme used in Chad with a desert camouflage option.
Plus points
- Subject choice and flexibility of variants
- Recessed panel line detail
- Accuracy and fit
- Quality of moulding & decals
Downside
- No weapons options (can be purchased separately)
Conclusions
The two-seater D version is a natural follow-on to the single seat releases by HPM, I am really looking forward to building this kit and have it sit next to its single seat brother.
I wait with baited breath for the release of the 1:48 scale Mirage…
Well done HPM and very highly recommended.
Mick S.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | **** |
| Accuracy | ***** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | **** |
Here are HPM’s contact details:
Website: www.hpmhobbies.com
Address: HPM Hobbies Pte Ltd
28 Sin Ming Lane
#05-133 Midview City
Singapore 573972
Telephone: +65 6659 9319 (GMT +8)
Email: info@hpmhobbies.com