STOP
PRESS 01/01/2004 - Fin
and Exterior details from RC Resins (click here)
and masters for the forthcoming Black Box F-105D cockpit set (click here).
Also, photos of the Aeroclub metal undercarriage set here.
The
Trumpeter Kit:
514
parts for the 'D', 534 on the 'G'
Click
on image to view larger versions.
This
must be one of the most surprising and eagerly awaited releases of all time -
who would have thought only a couple of years back that we'd be seeing a 1:32
scale injection moulded kit of the "Thud" - and in two very distinct
versions!
Up
until know, you've either had to brave the Combat Vac-Form kit, or the Collect
Aire Resin model - these new offerings from Trumpeter will answer many a large
scale modellers prayer...
So,
how does it stack up?
There
have already been a few 'in-box' reviews of the "D" kit, but not a
lot mentioned about the "G". In this review, I will, therefore,
major on the "Wild Weasel" version, with notes on how this differs
from the single seat "D" variant.
First
thing that struck me was the shear size of the box - in Trumpeters usual very
sturdy construction.
Open
the box and it's certainly full! The contents are well packaged with most
sprues bagged in pairs and suitably arranged to avoid transit damage. The
canopy parts, tires, ammunition and sundry metal parts are packaged
individually in a separate box.
Based
on the premise that a picture speaks a thousand words, I've included copies of
the excellent instructions above, so that you can see the parts breakdown and
detail.
The
fuselage mouldings are certainly large, with very good, recessed, panel lines
- albeit with overdone rivet detail. I'm planning to fill these rivets with
paint, followed by a quick sand down before primer when I build the beasts!
Left hand image shows the sprues for the "G", the next two both the
"G" and "D" for comparison.
The
wings look good, with separate flaps, slats and spoilers - probably a little
'overkill' in the parts breakdown, but useful non the less... Surface detail
is restrained and features a number of strengthening plates - have not yet had
a chance to check the validity of these. Gear bays look good with reasonable
depth and detail. One thing to note is that Trumpeter have done their homework
on the "G" wings as they differ from those in the "D" -
featuring the wing tip 'bumps' for the AN/ALR-31 RHAW receivers.
Main
gear doors have no detail on the 'inside' face and the detail on the inner
doors is marred by mould ejector pin marks.
Whilst
Trumpeter have correctly identified the difference in height between the
"D" and "G" tails, they have missed the difference in
chord - the "G" fin being thicker in chord as well as taller.
The
photo above shows the correct profile of the two seater tail - in this case an
"F" model.
Parts
breakdown includes separate tail and full engine, as well as the internal
weapons bay with optional fuel tank. Whilst most will ignore this latter
feature, it may be worthwhile incorporating the bay within the fuselage to aid
strength. Should the builder wish to display the weapons bay, they will need
to cut open the relevant sections of the fuselage - clearly marked on the
mouldings.
Weapons/fuel
fit is positively prolific!! Weapons include:M177 Bombs, Mk 82 bombs (both
with, or without fuse extenders), ALQ 71 ECM pod, 720lb Napalm, AGM-12B
Bullpup, AGM-78 and AGM-45A missiles plus drop tanks - wing and centreline.
The sprue on the right is repeated 5 times - so loads of spares from this one!
Contrary
to some reports, the shape of the canopies looks quite good - to my eye
anyway. When I first looked at the components I saw what I thought were a few
minor scratches but, having been in conversation with modellers over on the Hyperscale
forum, it's become clear that these very fine marks are moulding flaws
that are next to impossible to remove as they go all the way through the
plastic. Sad to report that every one of the canopy mouldings on my
"D" and "G" are affected - take a look at the right hand
image of the windshield to see what I mean!
A
small photo-etch fret is included - providing all the hinges - to be used with
the metal rods - to make all the control surfaces moveable. Previous
experience with the same system in the Yak-18 kit means that I'll probably
just glue all the control surfaces in a set position.
'Rubber'
moulding are provided for the tires and ammo belts for the Vulcan cannon - the
tires even have Goodyear logos on them, although they are a little crude. I'm
also not too sure about the longevity of the material used - some similar
material have been known to degrade and crack over time - some even melting
plastic hubs! I believe resin wheels are already available.
Decals
in both kits are designed by TwoBobs and printed by MicroScale - so quality is
pretty good! The "G" kit has decals for 63-320 "Bam Bam"
of the 561st TFS, 388th TFW, Korat, Thailand July 1972 and 62-440
"Zero" of the 17th WWS, 388th TFW, Korat, Thailand December 1972.
The
"D" kit features markings for 59-1822 of the 44th TFS, 355TFW,
Takhli, Thailand 1970 - the famous "Polish Glider" of Maj. Donald
Kutyna and "Alices Joy" 62-4388 354th TFS, 355 TFW Takhli, Thailand
1967 flown by Col. Jack Broughton.
Both
kits share a common (and extremely complete) sheet for the weapons and pylons.
So,
overall a very nice package - let down by a few niggles - the worst of which
being quality control on the clear components. Out of the box, you should end
up with an impressive "Thud", whichever kit you choose. As for
aftermarket stuff - this is bound to be a popular subject and, as well as the
wheels, cockpit sets are already on their way...
Two
years ago, If someone had told me today I'd have not one, but two, new 1:32
"Thuds" sat on the bench I'd have had to have said - Trumpeter -
YGBSM! Ex Weasel crews will know exactly what that means! ;o)
With
thanks to all those that have pointed out issues with the kit - including:
Herman Datema and Jarrod Cunningham.
If
I spot anything else - I'll update this page.
Review
models courtesy of my wallet - and the nice people at Antics!
:o)
