Conclusions

Well, she’s finally finished. This build took much longer than expected, but real life seemed to get in the way a good bit.

Overall this is an excellent kit. I think this would be an excellent starting point for someone venturing into their first multi-engine build. Frankly, I don’t think this kit would cause much problems for someone new to the hobby either. The only problems I could see would be with knowing how best to address things like clear parts.

Let’s take one last look at the important things: detail, engineering, and fit.

 Overall Detail: 3/5

Detail is where the more advanced modeler is going to be a little less than satisfied. In the build review I highlighted the impressive mold detail on the engines and in the gear bays for example. However, this was solely in reference to the fact that these are one piece moldings. To be one piece the engines are rather nice, but they don’t hold up to resin examples naturally.

Surface detail is over all well executed with just a couple of soft spots. In some of the compound curves in the fuselage.

Interior detail is pretty lacking, but you’re not going to see much of it. Even with the glass nose it’s hard to see into the front section. The only remotely visible interior section is the cockpit…and that’s at unnatural viewing angles. You may want to add some aftermarket of scratch here, but it’s not entirely necessary.

Overall Engineering: 4/5

I can only knock the engineering in one area: the single piece engines. This decision makes sense given the kit is aimed at the novice builder; however, a segmented engine more typical of modern kits would have afforded a little more fidelity in detail.

Otherwise the kit is excellent. I was concerned about the installation of the bomb bay doors in the open position, but they were no problem whatsoever. Part breakdown is logical and there are no head scratching unnecessary sub-assemblies like you may see with something like a Trumpeter kit.

Don’t expect any “what the heck” moments of engineering genius you may have experienced with a Tamiya “uber” kit, but that doesn’t make this kit lacking by any stretch.

Overall Fit: 6/5

This isn’t a joke either. It’s not of the fall together variety like some kits 5x the price tag, but you really aren’t going to get much better. The fit is what makes this kit. If you experience fit issues then it’s user error. That being said, the fit is and engineering are so straight forward that even the most inexperienced modeler would be hard pressed to muck it up.

Now for some shots.