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Canadair Challenger CL 604 / 605 (14406) 1:144 BPK (Big Planes Kits) via Mikromir The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a business jet family originally developed by Bombardier following acquisition of the concept LearStar 600 from Bill Lear. Lear had really no influence on the design and development and thus Canadair took on the Challenger name for the aircraft. The prototype first flew in 1978. Following the acquisition of Canadair by Bombardier in 1986 the aircraft became known as the Bombardier Challenger. The aircraft can be distinguished by use of Fowler Flaps normally seen on airliners. Following The CL-601 is a newer version featuring winglets to reduce drag. As well as civilian operator many air arms acquired the aircraft for VIP and other duties. This was later followed by the CL-604, this incorporated new GE CF34-3B engines, new avionics from Rockwell Collins, an increased fuel capacity, and structural improvements to the wings and tail. As more fuel is carried the undercarriage has been replaced by unit which can carry the increased weight. The US Coastguard has purchased a single aircraft which they have designated C-143A for the role of Medium Range Command & control (MRC2A). The Kit The kit arrives with 3 sprues of injected plastic, a photo-etched fret, a couple of resin parts, 6 resin parts, a decal sheet, and a sheet of masks. Panel lines are very lightly recessed, BPK have this exactly right as they are just deep enough to be visible, rather than the heavy 'trenches' that some manufacturers seem to favour. In order to save the problems of cabin windows in this scale the whole fuselage is made of clear plastic. Construction begins with some smaller items you will need later. All three landing gear units are made up and put to one side, following this the engines are made up. The fan fronts and rear cones are resin while the main parts are plastic. Next up the cockpit is made up. The floor is attached to the rear bulkhead, the seats and control columns are then added. The cockpit can then be added into the main fuselage. A solid nose cone is then fitted. It seems a shame that despite the clear fuselage there is no main cabin interior at all. Once the fuselage is together the main wing can be attached. The instructions strangely don't show the wing being assembled. In one stage the lower wing is attached, and in the next one the uppers are already there as if by magic? The tail, and tail planes are now added along with the tail cone. The cone differs between a couple of the decal options so make sure you fit the correct one. The engines can now be added along with fuselage antennas from PE. The flap actuators and the landing gear can now be added to finish off the model. Markings In addition to the decals masks are provided for the USGC Strips. Decals are by Decograph from the Ukraine and look to have no issues. 4 schemes are provided; C-143A US Coastguard, Tennessee, USA 2007. CL-605, QATAR, Lviv, Ukraine 2013 CL-604 Royal Australian Air Force, Melbourne, 2017 REGA Swiss Air Ambulance, 2011 Conclusion This is a great kit from BPK. They make the best use of the various material to bring you a great looking kit. Overall recommended, but could have been slightly better based on their 1/72 kits. Review sample courtesy of