Special Hobby Tempest Pilots & Armament Set 1:32

[Mike]

Tempest Pilots & Armament Set

1:32 Special Hobby

 

 

With the Hi-Tech boxing of the new Tempest II that we reviewed recently, here, included a port armament set amongst the generous box of resin, so it makes sense to release one for the other side, to give people the option of opening them both up.  Aircraft often look more "human" with a crew figure to give it a sense of scale too, and here comes a couple just for you.  As usual with Special Hobby's resin sets, they arrive in the familiar clear-fronted yellow box, with the resin parts safely cocooned inside, and the instructions sandwiched between the rear header card.

 

 

Starboard Armament Set (5109)

This resin and Photo-Etch (PE) set is used in adding a pair of cannon and their ammo feeds in the port wing, which requires a T-shaped portion of the upper wing to be removed, the resin bays to be constructed and painted in the suggested colours, and inserted from below with PE supports for the edges, and resin panels that can be left nearby to give a more candid appearance to the scene.  It is a complete mirror-image of the port bay, as you’d imagine.

 

 

 

Tempest Pilot Climbing out of Cockpit (F32317)

A beautifully sculpted pilot figure that could equally be climbing into his cockpit as climbing out of it.  He has separate arms and head, with an unbuttoned leather flying helmet on his head, and parachute pack bumping the backs of his legs, with one leg on the sill of the cockpit, the other on the wingroot and his hands steadying himself as he enters or exits.  A painting guide is also given on the rear of the instructions, using Humbrol codes.

 

Note: the pictures of the figure on the website (link below) seems to show an earlier sculpt of the figure, as the production mould has much improved crispness than the main photo, which also shows the right hand in an unusual position.

 

 

 

 

Tempest Pilot Sitting in Cockpit (F32316)

Another fine figure that is moulded to a replacement seat with harnesses in situ, to best reflect the pilot in a seated position.  The arms and head are separate, giving some room for personalising the pose, such as turning the head to the side.  As with the other figure above, the finished mould is more crisp than the pictures shown on the website, and once painted should look superb. 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Both figures need minimal clean-up, and the attachment points for the casting blocks have been hidden away nicely for the most part, with the head attached on the smooth dome of the helmet to aid tidying up.  As usual with resin, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding resin, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in.  Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them.

 

Review sample courtesy of