Search the Community

After the 1/48th kits ( GR. link & A. link ). On LSM forums, the Kitty Hawk's rep, Glen "Kagnew" Coleman, confirms the company 1/32nd SEPECAT Jaguar family project. Of interest are also the words "1/32 French projects before we get into it". To be followed. Source: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=53067&p=617140 V.P.

After the single-seat Su-17/22M3 &4 (link), here's the Kitty Hawk 1/48th two-seater Sukhoi Su-17/22UM-3K "Fitter -G" kit - ref. KH80147 Source: https://www.kittyhawkmodel.com/copy-of-kh80146 Box art V.P.

Sukhoi Su-22M3/M4 Fitter-F (Sic) KH80146 1:48 Kitty Hawk The Su-17 and the downgraded export version dubbed the Su-22, with its NATO reporting name Fitter was derived from the earlier Su-7 as a project to improve its low speed handling, particularly during take-off and landing. It was Sukhoi's first attempt at variable geometry wings, and when it reached service was the Soviet Union's first swing-wing aircraft in service. To keep the project costs down, the centre section of the wing remained fixed, with the outer able to swing back for high-speed flight, and forward for slow. A pronounced spine was also added to the rear of the cockpit to carry additional fuel and avionics that were necessary with the advances in aviation. The first airframes reached service in the early 70s, and were soon replaced by more advanced models with the designation M3 and M4, dubbed Fitter-H and –K respectively by the Allies. The M3 was based on a larger fuselage and had additional weapons options, while the M4 was further developed and was considered to be the pinnacle of the Fitter line with a heavily upgraded avionics suite including improved targeting, navigation, and yet more weapons options, as well as improved engines. A downgraded version of the M4 was marketed as the Su-22M4, and was in production until 1990! Although the Su-17 was withdrawn from Soviet service in the late 1990s, it remained in service much longer in its Su-22 export guise, where it was used by both Iran and Iraq, Libya and Angola to name but a few, and during this time it had variable success, which likely had as much to do with pilot skill and training as the merits of the airframe. The Kit We reviewed the (then) newly tooled Su-17M3/M4 from Kitty Hawk at the beginning of this year, and it has been quite a Sukhoi 17/22 kind of a year overall, when you consider what we used to have as the best kit in this scale, so now we're spoilt for choice. The Su-17 and Su-22 are externally identical, as it is just the abilities of the airframe and avionics that had been throttled back for the export market, and a fairly large export market it was too, which resulted in some interesting schemes, as we'll see toward the end of this review. The box sports a new painting of a German airframe with wings extended for low-speed and the tail plus drop-tanks adorned with a bright yellow and black tiger-stripe. Inside the plastic is the same as for the Su-17 for the aforementioned reasons, and that it would be impossible to see the fixed shock-cone of the M4 or differences in avionics or systems at scale on a closed-up airframe. Kitty Hawk seem to have got their NATO designations a little mixed up too, as the Fitter-F was designated to an earlier export version. The M3 and M4 were actually both loosely designated K due to their similarities, although it's the usual tricksy and confusing mess of variants and sub-variants that seems to plague Soviet era development programmes. There are the same nine sprues in light grey styrene, one in clear, a small sheet of Photo-Etch (PE) brass which has been updated to depict the new boxing with no other changes, and three decal sheets, two of which contain the national markings, the smallest the stencils. The instruction booklet completes the package and omits the incorrect Fitter name, with large colourful decaling and painting guide pinned into the centre of the pages. As the styrene is the same, there is little point in taking a new set of photos (our SSDs aren't infinite!), so you'll have to put up with the old logo in the corner until we get to the markings. Unfortunately, the missing support structure at the top and bottom of the shock-cone/radome are still absent from the new boxing, but I believe there is an aftermarket option out now that will correct that, or you could break out your modelling skills and fabricate the area yourself. Construction is also identical, so there's little point in re-treading the same discussion, which you can find in the original review linked at the top of this review. As originally stated though, the surface detail of the parts is very good as you can see from the following photos. The really interesting part of the package is the more colourful foreign operators' colour schemes, which Kitty Hawk have included for your delight and edification. Markings As already mentioned, there are three decal sheets, one of which has the majority of the national markings and some of the special scheme decals. The mid-sized sheet contains the rest, as well as the instrument panel and side console decals, which are again nicely done. The smallest sheet is filled with stencils that are nice and crisp, a marked improvement on some of the older decals from this company, which I remarked on in the earlier boxing. From this box you can build one of the following: The decals have good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin satin carrier film cut close to the printed areas. They are separately protected in a ziplok style bag along with the PE, which is always welcome from a point of view of protection from moisture. Each sheet is also covered with a thin "greaseproof" type paper, to prevent the sheets sticking together over time. Conclusion Of course it would have been nice if the nose issue had been rectified in the interim, but the rest of the kit is detailed and well defined, so it's easy to forgive the additional work needed to correct the deficiency if it bothers you. Overall it's still a good kit, and as long as you check and adjust fit you should end up with a good representation of the export Fitter. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of and available soon from major hobby shops

I am doing the two together, the Su-30MKI is a ton of work so I've started the Kitty Hawk Su-35 as an easy side project (hopefully). The Su-30MKI will be Blue 01 prototype which crashed at the Paris air show. So a lot of carving and fitting the Sol Su-35 (Su-27M) canards to the Academy fuselage but the major part of beginning has been the cockpit. I have the Neomega Su-30 cockpit but the MKI is a different layout so the front and back consoles had to be remade. I tried making some resin copies of what I made with plastic card but I'm new to casting and gave up. .

UH-1D update sets, seatbelts & masks 1:48 Eduard - For Kitty Hawk Kit The Kitty Hawks kit is a good one. Eduard are now along with a few update sets to detail the kit. Interior Set (49861) This set is for the interior, mainly the cockpit. There is one nickel platted coloured fret and one plain one. The colour fret is dominated buy the large instrument panel, plus the centre console and overhead panel. The brass fret contains parts for the cockpit overhead windows, inside grab handles, door gun sights, door gun feed chutes and brackets inside the rear. If wanted the instrument panel set is available as a Zoom set which contains just the coloured fret. Full Set Zoom Set Cargo Interior (48935) This set provides the rear cabin or cargo area. There is one large part for the floor area and anther for the overhead,also additional smaller parts to replace lost lost when removing the floor area in the kit. Seatbelts (FE862) This set provides a full sets of seatbelts. These are the newer Steel type. Not only are the belts provided for the pilots but the rear seats as well. In addition new parts are provided for the kit seats. Masks (EX564) This set provides all the masks for the glazing in the yellow tape. Some of the bigger and more complex curved areas will require the centre parts to be masked in addition to the masks supplied. Review samples courtesy of

Super Seasprite sets & masks 1:48 Eduard - For Kitty Hawk Kit The Kitty Hawk Superseasprite has been out for a short time now and Eduard are now along with a few update sets to detail the kit. Interior Set (49834) This set though not marked is for the interior. There is one nickel platted coloured fret and one plain one. The colour fret is dominated buy the large two part instrument panel, centre console and overhead console. Also on this fret is a control box for the dash and other cockpit fittings such as levers. The brass fret contains sides & tops for the seats, a new floor pan, pedals, and the bulkhead through to the main cabin. If wanted the interior set is available as a Zoom set which contains just the coloured fret. Full Set Zoom Set Seatbelts (FE837) This set provides two full sets of seatbelts for the pilots seats. These are the newer Steel type. Cargo Interior (49847) This set is for the rear of the helo. There is one nickel platted coloured fret and one plain one. The coloured fret provides a full set of seatbelts for the rear seat, also the instrument panels for the rear. A prominent feature is the red webbing seats for the rear compartment, and the cargo net for the rear bulkhead. Some rod will be required to make the webbing seats. The brass fret has the rear cabin floor, side for the rear seat, and all the equipment racks. Masks (EX554) This set provides all the masks for the wheels and glazing in the yellow tape. Review samples courtesy of

Now we have too quarter scale Su-34:

After the Super Etendard (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234993552-148-amd-ba-super-etendard-by-kitty-hawk-box-artcads-release-1q2016/) it seems that Kitty Hawk is also working on a 1/48th AMD-BA Etendard IVM/P kit. To be followed. Thanks Laurent (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234993552-148-amd-ba-super-etendard-by-kitty-hawk-box-artcads-release-1q2016/?p=2230674)! V.P.

Another - subliminal or anodyne ? - message today in the Kitty Hawk Facebook. Source: https://www.facebook.com/736521713066784/photos/a.736556396396649.1073741827.736521713066784/808051749247113/?type=1&theater The following message with a Vought XF5U-1 "Flying Flapjack" picture. To be followed V.P.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/736521713066784/photos/a.736556396396649.1073741827.736521713066784/1247702645282019/?type=1&theater Most probably a future derived product from the elements developed for the future Su-34 "Fullback" kit. (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234996669-kitty-hawk-su-34-148-render-march/). A classic sales strategy template, see also Kinetic (via SkunkWorks) and AMK similar sets. V.P.

So, after Kinetic (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234981269-148-amd-ba-super-etendard-sue-super-etendard-modernise-sem-by-kinetic-released) and AMK (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234952903-amk-super-etendard-148), Kitty Hawk (aka Kitty Wok) has just announced another new tool 1/48th AMD-BA Super Etendard kit - ref. KH80138 Yes but... Why not an Etendard IVM or a Etendard IVP? Source: http://www.kittyhawkmodel.com/#!kh80138/o5uzg Box art For the producers, if you're going French, be aware there's no modern 1/48th kits from: - MD.450 Ouragan - MD.454 Mystère IV - AMD-BA Super Mystère B2 (SMB2) - SO.4050 Vautour IIA/B/N - Dassault Mirage IV - Br.1050 Alizé - Dassault Mystère/Falcon 20 - MS.760 Paris - Nord 2501 Noratlas - NH-90 TTH/NFH Caiman - SA.316 Alouette III - SA.330 (Super) Puma, AS.532 Cougar, EC.725 Caracal - SA.341/342 Gazelle - SA.321 Super Frelon etc. V.P.

T-28 Trojan Sets & Masks 1:32 Eduard for Kitty Hawk kit Interior Set This colour nickel, and brass fret set provides parts for the cockpits. There are parts for the instrument panels, side consoles, head up display, rear cockpit part, and antenna part. There are new internal skins for both seats. Cockpit set. This set provides just the colour fret from the interior set above. Exterior Set This set provides parts for the engine including the wiring harness, and intake filer meshes. For the landing gear there are new scissor links. There are panels for the engine cowls, and internal area for these as well. New static wicks are provided, as are various parts for the kit weapons. Undercarriage Set This set provides complete new skins for the interior of the wheel wells. Seatbelts This set provides two sets of seatbelts for the aircraft. These are the new flexible thin steel type. Masks This set provides masks for the canopy and wheels. Conclusion These sets will add a good amount of detail to the large scale T-28 kit. Recommended. Review samples courtesy of

USS Kitty Hawk Detail Sets Eduard 1:350 The Merit International/Trumpeter USS Kitty Hawk kit came out last year, yet Eduard have finally released their etched sets for it. As useful as they are, they don’t address one of the primary problems of the kit, the lack of hanger details. That said the rest of the model is provided with plenty. The five sets reviewed here cover pretty much every external part of the model, there are three, two sheet sets contained in large zip-lock bags and two single sheet sets, contained in the standard sized poly sleeve. Set one, (53-170, Island), is a two sheet set containing over 188 parts. These include replacement platforms, platform supports, all the railings required, numerous other fittings and their structures, replacement numbers, in the blocked light style for each side, replacement vertical ladders, and a replacement bridge window section. There is also a full complement of light bars, watertight doors, cable reels, SATCOM aerials, ECM arrays, SPS-49 array, SPS-64 array, mast fittings, yardarm railings, wind indicators, and navigation radar. The funnel receives new caps and walkway, whilst the AN/SPS 48 radar not only gets a whole new array, but a completely new mast as well, complete with all the platforms, railings and doors for the control room at the base. Sheet two, (53-171) is another two sheet set and contains parts to superdetail the hull and deck. Naturally most of the sheets are taken up with new railings, along with the numerous cable reels, and watertight doors, but there are a selection of replacement platforms, their supports and both vertical and inclined ladders. Also included are additional deck houses, replacement parts for the RIBs, additional access platforms, saluting guns, sponson supports, crane fittings, bridle catcher supports and deck edge aerial platforms. The instructions also show how to modify one of eh deck edge mounted radomes to the correct shape. Sheet three, (53-172), is another two sheet set, and whilst there are lot of parts, they are mostly used to replace the kits deck and elevator mounted safety nets. There are also even more railings, along with emergency weapon dumping slides, a new ensign staff and Jack staff with the associated railings used only when in port. The flight deck is fitted with an all new set of edging that goes the whole way round the deck and several new platforms, and, of course, more inclined ladders. Sheet four, (53-173), is a smaller single sheet set, containing parts for the carrier air wing. Each aircraft has different parts replaced, such as the Hornets receiving new pylons, wheels, undercarriage doors, catapult bar and tailhook. The Intruders get, new wheels, undercarriage doors, tailhook, aerials, and, if you’re a complete masochist, an open aft equipment bay. The Seahawks are also given new wheels, and a choice of extended or folded rotor blades, tail rotor, and the instructions show where to cut if you wish to fold the tail. The Hawkeyes, receive new rotor dome pylon supports, wheels, tailhook and undercarriage doors. The set is not confined to the aircraft, all the ground equipment is provided with more detailed parts, such as tow bars, forklift cage and forks, tow truck front and rear panels, fire hoses, steering wheels and the APU extension for some of them. The big crash crane is fitted with a new operators cabin, ladders, cable wheels, support beams, and cross members. Sheet four, (53-174), is also a single sheet set and contains new cradles for the ships boats, along with ninety triple racks for the life raft containers that are sited around the flight deck, along with their supports. Whilst not particularly difficult to fold, they may become a little tedious, so probably best to do them all at once. Conclusion The USS Kitty Hawk kit is a fabulous piece of moulding and design, even without the hanger details, these sets at least makes the external details stand out and with care should make the finished model look amazing. Maybe Eduard could do something for the interior now, although I know a couple of other companies and individuals who have taken up this particular challenge. Review sample courtesy of

After its T-6, Kitty Hawk is to release a 1/32nd North American OV-10D Bronco kit - ref.KH32003 See CAD drawings herebelow Sources: http://www.themodellingnews.com/2014/01/yee-har-kittyhawk-to-let-loose-large.html https://fr-fr.facebook.com/Kagero.SM https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=ms.639006636156204.639006599489541.639006522822882.639006542822880.639006722822862.bps.a.639006416156226.1073741960.224979750892230&type=1 V.P.

Kitty Hawk is to release a 1/32nd Vought OS2U Kingfisher kit - ref.KH32016 Now 1/32nd and not 1/48th as initially announced. Source: https://www.facebook.com/736521713066784/photos/a.736556396396649.1073741827.736521713066784/900453140006973/?type=1&theater V.P.

After a break of some 30 years from the hobby, I decided to get back to work. I decided my subjects would be examples of the aircraft I worked on during my time in the RAF. So, here is my first project from my time on 16® Sqn 2001 to 2004. Jaguar GR3a XZ392 PF, the Jag display aircraft in its day job. It's in the not often seen LGB self designation role fit. Sometimes brought out during the heavy weapons phase of the QWI course. The Kitty Hawk kit took a bit of wrestling to put together, the fit of some parts is not great. Also areas like the wing leading edges and pylons are completely the wrong shape. I added copious amounts of aftermarket to make up for the kits and my failings. Here is my first offering on BM.

A Kitty Wok representative has published in a Chinese forum some CADs from elements of the kits to come. Source: https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=fr&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&u=http://tieba.baidu.com/p/4217712359%3Fpid%3D80755983168%26cid%3D0&usg=ALkJrhglYXVLJS9v-AikH0EsgzFQWIDZRQ#80755983168 A SSPU-22 gun pod - for new tool 1/48th or 1/32nd(?) Sukhoi Su-17/-22 "Fitter" kit? Any help to identify the following items? Thanks in advance. V.P.

F-86K Sabre Dog 1:32 Kitty Hawk The F-86DK was developed by North American from their F-86D. In the early 1950'e there was a requirement in NATO nations for an all weather fighter. Plans by FIAT to produce the de Havilland Venom under licence had failed. in 1953 the US Air Material Command informed North American they would like to produce the F-86D in Italy to supply to NATO nations under the Mutual Defence Assistance Program. However the aircraft was to have a simpler fire control system and be armed with guns instead of rockets. The initial specifications also called for a two seater aircraft. The rationale behind the simpler fire control system was the fear that the new E-4 Fire control system for the F-86D would be compromised. Also at the time the USAF was having problems maintaining the complex E-4 system as well. North American replied to the requirement for the new aircraft with a modified F-86D. It was pointed out that to make a two seat aircraft would require a complete re-design which would be lengthy and costly. The company produced the MG-4 fire control system which would use a nose radar to give the pilot his firing range and break away time. By providing this information direct to the pilot there was no need for a radar operator. Under the NA-205 project the USAF gave North American two F-86Ds to be converted to YF-86K standard. At the same time they entered into an agreement with FIAT in Italy for the licence manufacture of the F-86K using MDAP funds. The first YF-86K was flown at Los Angeles in 1954, with the first production aircraft being delivered in may of 1955. It was agreed that the first 120 aircraft would be made by North American to get production underway. These aircraft would be for Norway and Holland while FIAT would make aircraft for Italy, France and Germany. The first FIAT aircraft would fly in May 1955 also. Many of the aircraft made at FIAT would feature the longer wing as fitted to the F-86L. Many aircraft with the original wing would also be retro fitted with the longer wings. Other nations which at first should have received the F-86K did in fact get the F-86D. The arrival into the USAF of the F-102 led to surplus F-86Ds being released to Denmark, Japan, Greece and Yugoslavia. By this time the E-4 fire control system was not considered to be a security risk. In the end only Norway, Germany, Italy and France received the F-86K under MDAP. Two other nations would also end up flying the K model; Venezuela and Honduras. In 1965 they negotiated purchase of all surviving German aircraft. Some of these aircraft had never actually been flown by the Luftwaffe due to shortages of trained pilots and ground crew! 51 aircraft were exported. In the early 1970s following the arrival of F-5 aircraft four (or six depending on the source) F-86Ks were transferred to the Hondurans. Not much is known about these aircraft except they flew in a NMF with sharks mouths. Given the low number operated, and complex systems it is assumed they did not operate for long. There are photos on the web as late as 2014 showing at least one of these aircraft survives . The Kit It was only a matter of time after the initial F-86D release that we would get an F-86K in 1:32 scale. The kit arrives in a smaller box than you would expect, however it is crammed full of parts. You get seven sprues of light grey parts, a clear sprue (thoughtfully packed in its own card box for protection), a small PE fret and 2 sheets of decals. Shockingly enough the construction starts with the cockpit. The first item to be made up is the ejection seat. This is a complex affair with a total of 11 parts being used. The seat looks to be a good representation of the unique seat made for the Dog. Following construction of the seat, the electronics area behind it is assembled and attached to the main cockpit tub. Decals are provided for the panels in the cockpit, though the modeller can choose to paint them if they wish. Following this the control column and rudder pedals are installed. The next step is to complete the front landing gear and its wheel well. This is formed on the underside of the engine intake trunking. The wheel retraction gear forms part of the walls of the well and these are glued to the underside of the trunking. The well for the mighty mouse rocket tray which sits behind the wheel well is then constructed along with the rear section of the intake trunking. The two sections of trucking with their sub assemblies attached are then joined up. Construction then moved onto the engine. Even though most of it will not be seen a full engine is provided in the kit. The engine is a model in its own right. The forward inlet cone and fan are constructed. The individual burner cans (8 of them) are constructed and then added to the engine section. The rear fan section can then be constructed. The front engine system is then attached to the intake trunking and the completed cockpit from earlier attached to the top of the trunking. As mentioned a lot of the engine will not be visible. It could be left out as model in its own right, however it seems to provide a lot of structure for the supporting fuselage, and if left out the modeller would need an intake blank and rear blank as well. Following the engines the left and right cannon bays are built up. These can be left open if wanted by the modeller. The bays feature two full 20mm cannons with associated control and ammo boxes. Even if leaving these panels closed the modeller will still need to build the bays and put the cannon in as these can be seen through their firing openings. Next the instrument panel is built up. Again decal is supplied if the modeller does not wish to paint this area. The instrument panel is attached to the front fuselage sections which are then closed around the completed engine/trunking section. A rear bulkhead mounts the engine section inside the fuselage, while the cockpit mounts the front section. Next in the construction sequence is the building of the main wheel wells. These are 5 parts each, and once built they attach to centre section of the underside for the main fuselage section. This section and a front underside section are then attached to the previously constructed main fuselage section. The rear engine section can then be added to the now nearly complete front fuselage section. The rear fuselage sections 9left & right) then join around the engine section. Construction then moves onto the wings, tail-planes, and vertical tail. These are of a convention upper/lower for each side, with left and right for the tail. The main wings feature separate flaps, and the all important leading edge slats. At this time the main landing gear units are also constructed. These items can then be added to the fuselage. Finishing touches are adding the landing gear, pilot entry steps, and rear mounted airbrakes. The radio gear shelf is added into the large canopy and canopy rails added also. Drop tanks are provided, along with rails for sidewinders, for those options which were so armed. Canopy The large clamshell canopy is one of the distinguishing features of the F-86D/K/L family and Kitty Hawk have done it proud. For a large part it is clear and free from distortion or moulding problems. As mentioned a nice touch is that the clear sprue is packaged in its own separate box. Decals Decals are provided for 5 examples. Luftwaffe - JD-352, 3.JG74 Neuber der Donau. Armée de l'air ECTT 1/13 Artois, Colmar 1957. Aeronautica Militare XII Grupo, 36º Stormo. Royal Norwegian Air Force ZK-Z. USAF 355tth Combat Crew Training Sqn, Perrin AFB 1960. The inclusion of the last set of markings (The USAF) ones is strange as the K was an export Sabre Dog. All references point to 51-2961 being an F-86L, not a K. This is not a game changer as I suspect nearly all modellers getting this kit will do so for one of the European options. All of these aircraft except the Luftwaffe one flew in a BMF finish. Please note the colour call outs for the Luftwaffe aircraft are in British Standard colours. There aircraft flew in local German Federal Standard RAL Colours not BS colours. There is no manufacturer listed for the decals. They are matt, well printed, in register and look colour dense. Like the F-86D Kitty Hawk don't give you multi-part decals for the national insignia which go over the air brakes. All of the decal options feature markings over the airbrake. This will be manageable to cut the decal out for this, however a split decal would have been appreciated. Similarly the decal for the wings are not cut where they overlap onto the leading edge slats, though this will be a lot easier to fix. Conclusion It is great to see the K follow on from the D, hopefully we will see an L model in the future as well. Very Highly Recommended. Review sample courtesy of and available soon from major hobby shops

Hi all Here's my latest completed build, and the second of my Royal Australian Air Force collection. Its the 1/48 Kitty Hawk F-35A built as A35-001, the first F-35 for the RAAF. It's in the markings of 2 OCU The kit was an real nightmare to build, poor fitting and required lots of filling, the paint ended up not coming out the way i was hoping hence the light areas that were supposed to show through the final finish aren't really visible (which isn't a bad thing as it's only really visible on the real thing in bright light). I started it easy back in January but it spent a few months on the shelf of doom. Now it's finished I'm fairly happy with it, and I've taken a pic with my RAAF F/A-18F I was planning on doing an RAF F35-B and a US Navy F-35C but after this one i might reconsider that idea ! Enjoy ScottC

Hi Has anyone seen the KittyHawk Kaman Seasprite SH2-F? Is it a re pop of the old Matchbox one or a new kit? I have the Matchbox one in the stash and it was good for its day but that was 20 years ago so I'm considering the Kitty Hawk one if its a new tool. Cheers Colin W

Announced at the US IPMS Nats 2014, the next Kitty Hawk 1/32nd kit (after the OV-10 Bronco http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234952767-132-north-american-ov-10-bronco-family-by-kittyhawk-new-cads/) is a N.A. F-86D Sabre Dog - ref. KH32008 Source: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kitty-hawk/736521713066784?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal V.P.

Kitty Hawk is to release a 1/32nd Bell P-39Q/N Airacobra kit - ref. KH32013 Source: http://www.kittyhawkmodel.com/#!kh32013/c24dx V.P.

So I had started a Kitty Hawk Voodoo (there: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234961637-kittyhawk-f-101-a-voodoo/?hl=voodoo)and wasn't satisfied with how it was turning out (and as the poets from Nashville Pussy sing, it's everybody's fault but mine, of course (*)). So I decided to trat the poor thing with Jeremy Clarkson favorite surgical instrument (a hammer) and reduced it to a pile of very tiny little bits. Then I bought another box and, in the wake of my Phantom FGR2, had a go at it. I started last Thursday and tried to improve from last time. Soooo... I decided to neglect the instructions and assembled each nose half separately. It's not very clean, but nothing that can't be fixed with sandpaper and putty (and it's much much cleaner thant what you get when you follow the instructions). I was wise enough not to listen only to my Y chromosome and followed the instructions for the front wheel well and front gear leg. The cockpit, using both the photoetch and the decals: The airbrakes and their world famous sink marks: The fuselage is almost whole (but the radome is not glued on). Still not that clean, but hey, that ain't no scoop... The refuelling probe housing si puttied: The instrument panel, done using both the photoetch and the decal (it worked for the consoles, so...). The fuselage is whole, the nice sink marks on the sides are puttied. The belly of the beast: No problem for the wings, at least on the upper surfaces. Our sink marks have been cleaned: A bit of putty is needed on the wing lower surfaces to fuselage joins, but nothing dramatic. Really? The tail is reasonably well behaved. Under the nose, putty has been sanded and the panel lines are waiting to be rescribed. The nozzles need a bit of work... But turn out OK. It's paint time! Nose is Gunze gloss black, antiglare panel is Gunze olive drab and the rest is Alclad semi matt aluminum. Now on to the decals. They leave quite quickly their backing up sheet, but once in place tend to be quite stubborn. So before applying any decal I applied some soapy water with a hairy stick. I didn't cut the decal, it was like this on the sheet! The upper surfaces are complete: The fuel tanks: We're almost done with the decalling: And now, I'm very sad to say my fuel tanks seem to suffer from pancreatic cancer. I didn't make that up, it's written all over them: To be continued... S.

F9F-8 & F9F8P Cougar 1:48 Kitty Hawk The Grumman Cougar was a development of the companies F9F Panther. In most basic terms the Cougar had a swept wing to the Panther's straight wing. As the US Navy considered the Cougar to be a development of the Panther both had the same F9F designation with cougars starting at F9F-6. The F9F-8 was to be the final fighter version of the Cougar. It had an 8" stretch in the fuselage and the wing was modified to have a greater area and chord. The wing improvements would give better low speed handling, a higher angle of attack, and increased fuel capacity. Other improvements would be ability to carry the new Sidewinder missile, and some were even made nuclear capable aircraft. A total of 601 were delivered to the US Navy. In addition to the fighter versions the F9F-8 would be produced as a reconnaissance aircraft, this would be designated the F9F-8P. For these aircraft the nose would be lengthened by 12 inches to accommodate the camera equipment. All guns, the radar system and armament control equipment was deleted, and there was some re-arrangement of the panels in the cockpit to accommodate this, and the addition of camera controls. Additional ducting was provided to channel hot air from the engine to the camera bays. A total of 110 would be produced. The Kit The kit arrives in a fair sized box, inside which we find 4 sprues of grey plastic, two clear sprues (in their own box), a small photo-etched fret; and two sheets of decals. The four sprues of grey plastic are all bent double, so if you separate them you have eight. I wish they would not do this as there is potential for damage when they do it, and when you have to separate them. The details on parts are good, with engraved panel line detail. There is some flash on the sprues, but none on the parts. The sprues are quite large, and the sprue gates heaver than on other kits. Care will be needed removing especially the smaller parts. Construction starts as with most aircraft kits in the cockpit. The first area of business is to make up the ejection seat. The kit provides both the Grumman seat and the Martin Baker Seat. Now there were two different types of headrest for the Grumman seat, and the MB seat used in the Cougar. There is no mention in the instructions which one to use, so the modeller will have to consult their references. Once the seat is made up it can be installed in the cockpit tub along with the control column and rudder pedals. The instrument panel and front bulkhead are also installed at this point. The instruments on the panel and side consoles are supplied as decals, or as photo etch parts. Two different decals are provided for the instrument panel however the instructions make no note of which one to use for which option. The rear decking, sidewalls and instrument shield are added to finish the cockpit off. Construction then moves onto the front wheel well. This is built up from seven parts and the front landing gear is added (thought this will probably be left till later). The front gear is a two part leg with a conventional left/right tyre to build up. Once the wheel well is complete, this together with the cockpit can be added to the front fuselage and this closed up. The instructions then have you adding the front gear doors and airbrakes to this complete front section, though I suspect most modellers will leave these parts until much later on. The next section deals with the construction of the fighter version nose. If making the photo-reconnaissance version then please skip to the next section. A very good rendition of the fighter nose is in the kit. The four 20mm cannon along with the ammunition containers are all provided in the kit. A lot of this detail will not actually be seen. The nose section can then be closed up around the cannon section and the nose mounted refuelling probe added. If the modeller is going to make the photo-reconnaissance version then the next steps deal with making the camera bays. If making the fighter version then you have already made the fighter nose! The model comes with a quite comprehensive camera fit. The different cameras and equipment racks are built up and added to the camera nose section. The camera nose refuelling probe is also added. A lot more of the camera detail will be seen through the extensive glazing in the kit. The appropriate nose can then be added to the completed front fuselage, and construction can start on the main body of the aircraft. The lower main body is a one art section ith left and right upper parts. The main wheel wells need to be built up and added to the lower section along with the arrestor hook. Parts are then added to the ends of the section where the wings join. These will the insides of the fuselage if the modeller wishes to have the wings folded. Even if the wings are straight then they need to be added as they stiffen the structure. The left & right upper parts can then be added. Construction then moves to the underside of the main body with the addition of the main landing gear. This is a one part main gear leg with a one part main wheel. These are added with a retraction strut. A tail bumper is also added at this point. The construction now moves to the rear fuselage section.This is of conventional left & right construction. The three part exhaust needs to be made and installed before you can close the two halves up. The two part rudder and the tail planes are then added at this point. Once complete the the tail section is added to the complete main body. Once done it's time to turn your attention to the wings. These again are of a conventional upper & lower construction. There is a detailed end plate you need to add which like the main body part not only adds detail if you wish to fold the wings, but also provides some structural properties if you do not. Separate control surfaces are provided for the wings, and a photo-etched upper slat is provided. Final construction steps are to add the wings, in either the folded or open position (note if closing them then there is a small tab which must be removed from the main body). Photo etch wing fences are also added at this point. The forward fuselage part can then be added to the rest of the main body. The canopy is added along with under wing pylons. Fuel tanks, early sidewinders, and rocket pods are available as underwing stores as needed by the modeller. Canopy The kit comes with two canopy sprues. One for the fighter version, and one for the reconnaissance version. Both main canopies look the same so you effectively have a spare. The parts are of excellent quality, clear and distortion free. Decals A large and a small sheet of decals are included with the kit. Markings are provided for 3 fighter versions, and two photo-recon versions. F9F-8 Of VF-61. Grey over White aircraft with large yellow side markings. F9F-8 of VF-121. Overall Gloss Sea Blue aircraft with red markings. F9F-9 of The US Navy Blue Angels Display Team. F9F8P of VFP-61. Grey over White aircraft with some red detailing F9F8P of VFP-61. Overall white aircraft with large high visibility red areas. The decals are well printed, with no register issues and look colour dense. There are no markings for the intake lip areas including the thin white strip for the Overall white aircraft which will be difficult to mask. The main walk area on the wing is provided for only two of the decal options which seems a bit strange. Also the Yellow for the Blue Angles markings looks a little off. Conclusion It is great to see a new tool Cougar released, something some of us US Navy fans have been waiting for. It is also good news that this can be built as either the fighter or reconnaissance version. The instructions are lacking in a few places, however this does not detract from the kit. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of and available soon from major hobby shops

UH-1Y "Venom" 1:48 Kitty Hawk The Bell UH-1 Iroquois or "Huey" to the majority of people is probably one of the most recognisable Helicopters in the world due to the exposure it had from the Vietnam war. Developed by Bell Helicopters back in 1952 to a US Army requirement for a utility and medical evacuation Helicopter, it first flew in 1956. The Huey was the first turbine powered helicopter to enter production for the US military in 1961. At the time the US Army designation was HU-1, which would later be changed to UH-1. Hu-1 giving rise to the nickname which has stuck ever since of "Huey". The US Marine Corps seems to stick to a "if its not broke, don't fix it!" approach to procurement for a lot of items. They were a leading proponent of the Second Generation Harrier. They did not follow the US Army in replacing their Cobra Gunships with Apaches; they stuck with a modernised twin engine Cobra, the AH-1J, to be followed by the AH-1Q SuperCobra and now even the AH-1Z Viper. They also have kept the venerable UH-1 in the form of the twin engine UH-1N. In 1996 the USMC began a programme with Bell to develop the UH-1Y. The UH-1Y or "Venom" would feature a bigger cabin, four blade main rotor and more powerful engines. Initially the UH-1Y was to be re-built UN-1Ns, however in 2005 the airframe was approved for new production. The Y model aircraft would feature a leap forward from the N which had grown a bit bloated in upgrades over the years. The new helos feature an all glass digital cockpit with a modern FLIR. The uprated engines (GE T700) and four blade rotor will return the UH-1Y to the utility role again. The new rotor blades have been designed to withstand up to 23mm rounds. Overall improvements give the new helicopter a 125% increase in payload, with a 50% greater range. A higher cruising speed and less vibration will also help with crew fatigue. The first UH-1Ys were delivered in 2008 with the USMC scheduled to receive 160 by 2016 to replace all of their N models. The new Hueys have so far been combat proven in Iraq and Afghanistan where they typically fly in conjunction with the SuberCobra. A deadly Bell team if you happen to be on the wrong side of them! The Kit The kit arrives in a well packed box. Like other Kitty Hawk kits I have seen some of the sprues for this one are bent over while hot This runs the risk of damaging parts when the modeller goes to separate them. A box protects the clear sprue, and there is a small photo-etch sheet. Construction starts with the main cabin. The pilots centre console is added, the instruments on this are provided as decals. The two front seats build up from six parts each. The armoured sides are handed so take care to use the right (or left!) one. The centre housing in the cabin is the next part to be constructed. Seven seats are then made up to attached to the centre. Following this two equipment racks are constructed which fit behind the pilots. Each of these has a seat which attaches to the rear. Construction then moves to the cabin roof. The overhead instrument console is added. Once in place the cabin roof is joined to the main cabin part by a rear bulkhead and two side parts. Next the engines are constructed and placed into 5 part engine bays (one for each side). Once the bays are complete they are added to the airframe side parts. Once this step is complete the side parts are closed up around the main cabin. The lower nose of the helo is the next stage of construction. The windows are added to the floor part and then the upper & lower nose parts can be joined. There are a couple of photo etched grills to add to the nose and the aerials (though I suspect most modellers will leave these until last). Once the nose is complete the modeller can move onto the transmission housing. This is of left & right construction with a circular top part. Various photo-etch and plastic parts add grills and intakes to this area. Construction then moves back to the main part of the helo. The area on top of the cabin with the intakes is added in front of the engine housings. The main cabin doors have their glazing added before going onto the main body (though again I suspect these will be left until the end). The nose is then added, along with the main windscreen and the top transmission housing. The engine exhausts complete with photo-etch grills are completed and added to the rear of the engine section. The Engine covers can then be added at this point. They can be left off to expose the engines as needed by the modeller. The front cabin doors are then added along with aerials, windscreen wipers and cable cutters. We then move to the underside of the main cabin. The landing skids are added along with more aerials and airframe fittings, not forgetting the FLIR turret. This then completes the main body. The tail boom sections (left & right) are joined together. The tail planes, tail rotor housing, and the tail rotor are then added. The last touches are to add the tail assembly to the main body, and complete the main rotor assembly. The main rotors attach with upper and lower parts to a central core so this should provide a strong join. The final parts to be added are weapons. A weapons station is provided for each side. Forward firing rocket pods can be used along with door guns. A minigun or .50 cal machine gun can be used on each side. Clear Parts It is welcome that Kitty Hawk put all the clear parts in there own box to protect them. Decals A main decal sheet gives most of the four decal options. A smaller sheet giver you the instruments. 168402 No.6 HMLA-169 USMC. 169406 HMLA-167 Warriors USMC. 8088 US Marine Corps. 168427 HMLA-269 USMC. The decals are well printed, in register and colour dense. It is frustrating that there is virtually no information on the decal options provided. It is noted that the decals for 168402 were selected early on in the development of the kit. Unfortunately in January 2015 this Helicopter crashed in a training accident. Both crew members Maj Elizabeth R Kealy (Peaches), and Capt Adam C Satterfield (Chief) were killed in this accident. Kitty Hawk have left these markings in the kit, and dedicated the kit to all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Conclusion This is a great new tool kit of an important helicopter for the USMC and the latest generation of the "Huey". Helicopter modellers have been waiting for new tool kits like this and they wont be disappointed. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of and available soon from major hobby shops