Aircraft reviews
UP-ENGINED GLADIATOR
The second large-scale Gladiator offering from ICM adds a new runner F to the standard components, allowing the later Mk.II variant (with its three-bladed propeller and changed instrument panel) to be built.
GULL-WINGED EXPORT
Although a Polish design, PZL’s P.11 entered service with the Romanian Air Force before its home country’s air arm, and IBG has released a 1/72 offering representing these exported aircraft, which were designated P.11b.
ALLISON-ENGINED PONY
Brengun has added new wings plus a resin dorsal intake to KP’s 1/72 P-51 Mustang, for an early Mk.Ia airframe.
CENTENARY RETIREE
This is the first time Revell’s recent 1/72 Hawk T.1 hasn’t depicted a Red Arrows jet (as per the initial release and subsequent starter set); instead, it provides an all-black 208(R) Squadron livery.
MINUTE 'JUGS'
Here’s another small-scale double package in the form of Platz’s 1/144 P-47D Thunderbolt with early-style ‘razorback’ canopy.
SMALL CARRIER FIGHTER
Arma Hobby has again raised the bar for the level of detail in a 1/72 World War Two-era fighter kit with its newly tooled FM-2 Wildcat.
EUROPEAN RAIDER
Having delighted modellers with its ‘strafer nose’ Invader (see Invading Striker), ICM has subsequently released the bomber variant, which featured a glazed forward section for the bomber/navigator.
CZECH TRAINER
Having released the Si 204 initially as a newly tooled kit, Special Hobby has turned its attention to the licence-built Aero C-3A version.
UNFENCED AIRLINER
This is the second time MisterCraft has re-boxed Heller’s 1/125 Airbus A320, with this British Airways (BA) version following a Lufthansa-labelled offering.
TOOTHY NAVAL FIGHTER
Here’s a welcome return for Eduard’s superb 1/72 Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat as a ProfiPACK edition, containing photo-etched (PE) enhancements and pre-cut canopy mask set.