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Hawker Hunter T.8B/T.8C Mark I Models 1:144 scale The Hawker Hunter must be classed as among the best looking jet aircraft ever produced. Its sleek lines and Avon powered engine meant that it could achieve almost supersonic speed, quite remarkable for an aircraft designed as far back as 1948. Although the Hunter was designed and produced from the outset as a military fighter aircraft, it was produced as a private venture by Hawker, mainly as there was little support from the Government at that time; who were more concerned with disarming after WW2 and the country was reduced to living under austere conditions. Following on from the highly successful single seater version, which had been deemed so popular within the UK and was also exported to over twenty countries, a twin-seat trainer version was produced. This design was titled 'Specification T.157D' which Hunter gave the designation as the Hawker P.1101; for a two-seat trainer aircraft with side-by-side instructor/trainee cockpit controls. These were again, mostly designed for the Royal Air Force; however, the Royal Navy also had operational single-seat Hunters by this time and so a navalised version was to be produced. Ten aircraft were initially diverted, from an original R.A.F. order of T.7 trainers, to the R.N. plus eighteen T.4's were converted to naval requirements and designated the Hunter T.8 Some of these conversions were were old single seat export versions that got returned to Hawker who then rebuilt them as the two-seat trainer version. The kit: The rear of the box shows markings for four Hunter T.8 two-seaters, two as trainers, one for the Fleet Requirements and Development Unit (FRADU), with the fourth being for RNAS Yeovilton's Admiral's Barge. Unlike previous productions from Mark1 Models, this kit contains only one model; although in respect it does contain two fuselages. One is for a single-seat Hunter FGA.9, with the other fuselage being the replacement body to make a Hunter T.8 The two sprues for the single seat Hunter was originally produce by Revell, as #04039 Hunter FGA.9; a kit which in itself has become quite a rare item to find. Mark1 Models has obtained these sprues as they contain virtually all the parts for the T.8 with the exception of the fuselage and two-seat canopy. Caveat: For those wishing to get this kit to make the original single-seat Hunter F.6A/FGA.9, please note that it does not contain the single seat canopy, only the two-seat canopy is supplied in the box. The third sprue in the kit is for the two-seat trainer version and contains the fuselage, new cockpit area with two ejection seats, plus the instrument panes etc. These would be a direct replacement for their single-seat versions. The instrument panel facia has been moulded smooth, the detail being provided on an enclosed decal. The clear sprue contains a single canopy for the two-seat trainer version. It is moulded in crisp, clear plastic and should show up much of the internal area of the cockpit quite nicely for those who wish to detail that area. The decal sheet contains roundels and squadron markings and motifs for all the aircraft depicted on the back of the kit box. The detail is clear and all the items appear to be in good register and the colours are vivid. Conclusion The use of a separate kit, with additional parts for the main model is quite good, not only must it have saved costs on design and production but it has the added benefit of leaving us with extras for the spares box. As mentioned earlier, do not expect to find a single-seat canopy to make an original kit, but all the rest is there. This is a particularly favourite aircraft for me, mainly as I used to work near to the FRADU (Airworks) aircraft at RNAS Yeovilton, and so I am very pleased that Mark1 has produced this. Mark1 Models has also produce a kit of the R.A.F. T.7 version, as #14481 Hawker Hunter T.7 These models can be purchased from many main line model and hobby shops or on-line. Review sample courtesy of: