RAF Pilot Sitting in Cockpit with Monkey on Shoulder + 2 Mechanics Western Desert for Special Hobby Kittyhawk
1:72 CMK
Special Hobby's Kittyhawk is a rather lovely thing, so it's great to see the Czech manufacturer bring the model to life with these resin figures. The figures are nicely detailed and beautifully cast, but I think someone at Special Hobby has been monkeying around. Let's dispense with the obvious first. The mechanic has what appears to be a chimpanzee (possibly a bonobo) on his shoulders. Both species are native to central Africa, so it's a mystery as to how this pilot acquired his new friend. I would have thought a barbary macaque would have been the obvious choice, but I could well be wrong. There are chimpanzees at Whipsnade Zoo, and that's nowhere near the Western Desert. So there; never let it be said that we reviewers are reluctant to point out possible glitches in the products we receive as review samples. Watch this space for a tutorial on how to convert a minute resin chimp into a different species of ape.
Conclusion
It's great to see that some manufacturers can surprise us and bring a little bit of fun into the hobby. Nothwithstanding the fact that it would be downright dangerous to take to the air with a great ape on board (this is exactly why Tarzan never flew), this item will be a fantastic addition to a mini diorama. Recommended.
Review sample courtesy of