Hurricane Mk. IID Conversion

[Paul A H]

Hurricane Mk. IID Conversion

1:72 3D-kits.co.uk

The Hurricane Mk. IID was introduced in 1942 to provide the RAF with improved anti-tank capability after the 20mm cannon carried by earlier marks of Hurricane was found to be inadequate for the purpose. The Mk. IID was armed with two 40mm Vickers S Guns mounted under the wings and two .303 inch browning machine guns loaded with tracer rounds to assist in aiming the cannons. The Mk IID proved highly effective in the North African theatre and earned the nickname “flying can opener”

Although a relatively new name on the scene, 3D-Kits will be familiar to many of you not least because the owner, Stewart, is a fellow Britmodeller. Their first product, a conversion set allowing any 1:72 Spitfire Mk. I to be converted to a Mk. II was very well received. If you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at our review here.

3D-Kits have followed up on the Spitfire Mk II conversion set with a rather smart new set that enables the conversion of any Mk. IIC Hurricane to a Mk. IID. The set is comprised to two identical sprues, each of which holds a 40mm cannon, both halves of the streamlined cannon fairing and an ammunition box as used by ground crew to reload the cannon between sorties. This is a particularly well thought out set as the separate gun fairing and ammunition box allows you to build the Mk. IID in the process of being reloaded – a nice touch. Comprehensive instructions are included that provide all the information needed to complete the conversion, including a diagram showing which panel lines on the Mk. IIC wing must be filled.

The inclusion of decals with the conversion parts is a bit of a signature touch for 3D-Kits and this set includes decals for three aircraft:

• HV663 of 6 Squadron, Gabes, Tunisia, April 1943;

• BN795 ‘Our John’ of 6 Squadron, North Africa, August 1943; and

• HW719 of the 1st Specialised Low Attack Instructors School, Milfield, Northumberland, 1943.

The first two aircraft are finished in Middle Stone and Dark Earth and the third in Ocean Grey and Dark Green. In my opinion these schemes are a good choice by 3D-Kits as they offer plenty of variety. The decals are provided without roundels, which helps to keep the cost down and reduce waste as kit decals may be used instead. A full-colour painting and decaling guide is included.

Conclusion

This is another excellent set from 3D-kits and it deserves to do well. The inclusion of decals with the conversion parts is a great idea and I can’t wait to see what else Stuart comes up with in the future. Definitely recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[Obi-Jiff Kenobi]

Nice review Paul, and a great-looking set. I've got a couple of Pavla sets with resin S guns in, but I'll definitely be getting this set, it looks a quality product.

[Mike]

They are good Jeff - I saw them before I sent them to Paul, and they're some of the smoothest looking sprues & parts I've seen

[Paul A H]

I've just finished the review of the equally nice Spitfire Mk. II LR conversion - see here.

[Moofles]

great review, might have to pick one of these up.

[3DStewart]

Thanks for your encouraging comments. I'm now working on the next projects. . .

Stewart

[Julien]

Thanks for your encouraging comments. I'm now working on the next projects. . .

Stewart

Please keep on going, I have wanted a 40mm Hurri for ages and now I can do one

Julien