Instructions
The family resemblance to Trumpeter crops up again with the instructions which are exactly as any Trumpeter kit I have ever made look and feel, and, as you know, I have made a lot. This is no bad thing, as I think that in the main Trumpeter get it right most times; especially on their large kits.
Assembly looks logical if a bit boring, starting with the cockpit as usual but they are clear, easy to understand and within the capabilities of even a novice builder so well done HobbyBoss/Trumpeter. Section 18 is interesting not only in that it’s a very detailed radar assembly but that two of its components are in heavy metal again to help bring that nose down so this is one beautifully planned kit.
The assembly sequence is logical and modular with the wings and booms being fixed to the fuselage last. This will be great if they fit well but perhaps not if they don’t. My experience with Trumpeter is that they will be great so I am not at all concerned so it’s another well done here from me.
Colour call outs throughout are excellent and in Mr Color codes which most are familiar with, but it also includes the colour which is helpful if using a different paint source. Two colour schemes are provided both in classic night black and both with stunning nose art. The challenge will be getting the black top look right but as you have seen with Gary’s 1:48th build when done well it looks incredible.
The kit
The box is crammed with plastic. Detail is finely engraved panel lines, perfect for the scale, with the usual profusion of rivets also finely engraved. I know many hate these but I love them and they really aid the weathering process, if done subtly. The two fuselage pieces are beautifully moulded and what is good are the thin sprue attachments but as ever some of these do roll over to the mating edges which is tedious. The fuselage to wing joint looks to be robust but only the build will confirm this but there is promise. Some internal ribbing is present and with the inserts should be enough for most.
The fuselage sides are fabulous too and HB has really captured the framing showing through the cockpit sides. It will come up a treat with some subtle dry brushing as I shall hope to demonstrate. All the other parts in the box are crisp and begging to be used. The ‘Tripe’ is not a big aeroplane so the parts count is quite low and the assembly will be straightforward and quite fast. The wings too are beautifully moulded with thin trailing edges and separate flaps. The same applies to the single large tail-plane that connects the booms.
The booms are robust with separate rudders and once again superbly moulded; I do so like Hobby Boss/Trumpeter kits! Detail parts are nicely done and there is plenty of scope for careful painting, washing and weathering which done well will really snap things to life. The cooling gills are moulded open but in this scale it’s a pity they are missing the opening mechanism and are a little thick on the trailing edge. Nothing a scalpel and wire cannot correct easily; well you have to get your fun somewhere!
The glazing is really first class, is crystal clear and frame lines easy enough to see and to mask without too much fuss. A clear nose and engine cowlings are included to show off detail but its gimmicky and not I think what most modellers making this kit will use. I would have preferred open cowlings like the B-25 I made to show off the fantastic engines.
Even the upper gun cupolas is clear which again is a little pointless but no big deal at all.
Etch Brass
The etched brass set is small but helpful including as it does the seat belts and some small etch components for grills and turrets. Only lap belts are included which I don’t think is right for the pilot seat at least but my research hasn’t given me an absolute definitive answer on this. The etch is hard and will need to be annealed before use but this ought to be standard practice anyway.
White metal
Apart from the nose weights the undercarriage has options for using white metal and on a heavy beast like this I thankful. I spent £30 on brass undercarriage for my B-25 but no such additional cost is required here; well-done HobbyBoss.
Rubber
Rubber tyres and ammo belts and hoses are included which I know most hate. The tyres are ok but will need a seam removing and roughing up with a sanding sponge to add realism. I would prefer plastic or Resin and I guess Master Casters won’t be long before a resin set is available.
Schemes and Decals
Summary and what’s next
On the face of it this is another first class kit from HobbyBoss/Trumpeter and looks to be excellent value for money given the standard parts and its sheer size, which is huge.
I know when it came and I opened the box I was determined to make this next on my list when I get back to building again. I was quick to take the big P-61 around to Geoff’s who, I recall saying when he first saw it announced in the recent trade press that; “it’s not for me”. Oh how he changed his tune when he too opened the box, the drooling was obvious and he couldn’t wait to get one. Being the crafty editor he is and knows how to get what he wants. He quietly and quickly slipped into the conversation that he might get the new HKM 1:32nd Scale B-17 to build! Now he knows that I cannot resist a natural metal finish and what’s more it’s scheduled to come with decals for “A Bit of Lace” my favourite WW2 bomber scheme of all time. Given HKM reputation for poor decals Geoff even slipped in that he is getting the new aftermarket set of decals for “A Bit Of Lace” to go with it. Well shamefully I was pretty much on my knees begging for this kit and my negotiation skills were truly appalling as I gave up the P-61 to him and now await the B-17 to replace it..The man is the devil incarnate and I always fall for his trickery. But seriously, I know how good he is at black finishes and he will make the P-61 into a world class model, just don’t tell him I said so!!
This is a kit with enormous promise. It’s huge, well detailed and an outstanding and interesting subject with some great colour choices along the lines of the Model T Ford…”any colour you like so long as it’s black”: Well it is a Black Widow and black they should be. I can’t wait to see Geoff build this as I know it will be a true stunner!
Now come on HKM I need that B-17 now so get a move on please!
Highly Recommended
Les V.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | ***** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | **** |