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Best T-6 Texan (Harvard) in 1:48 Scale ?


Tiger331

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Hi there,

I'm really after advice about the Revell/Monogram T-6 Texan kit of late 1970s vintage. I have several of the later Occidental kits in my stash but I'm now led to believe that the RM kit is pretty good too. I have, therefore, thought about buying one of the older RM kits just to try something different but I am not about to go wasting money if, in reality, its not so good. I get the distinct impression that some folk look at Revell (ex-Monogram) kits through rose tinted glasses at times with their views not quite matching reality so I want to be sure this is not the case with the good ol' Texan. I do realise that the RM kit, by virtue of its vintage, features raised panel lines instead of the engraved as found on the Occidental/Italeri kits, but this is NOT a problem and certainly would not put me off buying the kit if all else is OK.

Thanks for your help

Mark

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I haven't built (or even bought) the other choice, but I HAVE built the Monogram T-6. It is covered with little bumps, which I thought of as accurately (so to speak) imitating the raised rivets that are on the real thing.

The wheel well is a little challenging, if you are concerned with the seams, but I think the cockpit detail is very good. I have seen some comment that overall it better replicates the T-6 than the other does, but it sounds they're pretty similar in overall quality. I don't think they give you exactly the same sort, which might be a good thing- possible differences: rear glass (and a frame line on the sliders?), exhaust, spinner (none in most boxings of Monogram kit, though Revell 'Air Racers' did give one, I believe). I think I've also seen comments that people like the shape of the cowling better on the Monogram, but it sounds like a pretty subtle difference.

Don't pay too much for it, because they're pretty easy to come by, but by all means get one and have fun!

bob

p.s. Probably true of both, but if you want to actually nest the sliding canopies, you'll need to do vac replacements.

Edited by gingerbob
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Here is one I did about 10 years ago. It is a fun little kit. Just played with it a bit. And, I agree about not spending too much. I think my total outlay on this was $5.00 second hand.

IMG_1058.jpg

IMG_1059.jpg

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Mark

as other posters have said, both kits are good. But make up different variants.

Graham's point about the Mon/Rev kit only making up a T6-D is important, as there are many detail variations between different version on the AT-6

see http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/69085-na-harvard-ii/?hl=harvard

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/70255-harvard-trainer-kit/

here's a hyperscale bun fight on the subject!

http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/thread/1306723255/1306879044/1-48+Harvard-Texan+-+Monogram+or+Occidental-

here's an inbox review, http://modelingmadness.com/scott/allies/us/t6preview.htm

useful sprue shots etc. the interior is pretty good, note all the cockpit framework.

Perhaps you should ask which kit is a better starting point for what you want to end up with given the info in the links above.

HTH

T

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Mark

as other posters have said, both kits are good. But make up different variants.

Graham's point about the Mon/Rev kit only making up a T6-D is important, as there are many detail variations between different version on the AT-6

see http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/69085-na-harvard-ii/?hl=harvard

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/70255-harvard-trainer-kit/

here's a hyperscale bun fight on the subject!

http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/thread/1306723255/1306879044/1-48+Harvard-Texan+-+Monogram+or+Occidental-

here's an inbox review, http://modelingmadness.com/scott/allies/us/t6preview.htm

useful sprue shots etc. the interior is pretty good, note all the cockpit framework.

Perhaps you should ask which kit is a better starting point for what you want to end up with given the info in the links above.

HTH

T

Troy,

Thanks for the info.....I agree that its probably best to outline what I have in mind so that a better recommendation can be made. Right now, I plan to complete a Post-War RNZAF example, a Portuguese AF T-6 and possibly a French Armee de l'Air example.....so all, actually Post War.......from what I have read so far each seems to have its own merits so I may just go ahead and take the plunge and buy a RM example to try out.

Thanks again

Mark

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I think you'll find that the NZ and Portugese aircraft are basically wartime T-6Ds (AT-6Ds strictly, I suppose!). The French examples were a mix of T-6Ds and the postwar T-6G, with most of the well-publicised examples being the latter. I can't imagine you being disappointed with the Monogram kit, given what you've already said.

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The kiwis had a mix bag of texans. (Strictly Harvards) At one point one was taken apart for overhaul and they found bracing in the rear for the SNJ tail hook.

The Revell kit i found to be a shake and bake. Fell together almost as easily as a tamiya kit. One thing for it i would suggest a vacform canopy if possible. The kit canopy is a bit thick.

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  • 5 years later...

Got one Revell 1998 Rebox just today :) Lovely baby [IMHO Occidental's Texan was based on Monogram one]

probably will do French one in Algeria ;) (and what a box art!!) 

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I've built both the Monogram and the Occidental kits. IMHO the Monogram captures the aircraft better because of the rivets. The real thing was not a smooth skinned flush fitted panelled affair. It had overlapping panels joints and lots of rivets. 

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I really like the old Monogram kit. The shape is so much better than the Occidental/Italeri kit. The quality of the molding of detail is also better on the Revell-Monogram kit. 

I also agree with MilneBay about the raised rivet detail. 

Here is a pic of the belly of a Swedish (SK 16) Harvard. Quite a few rivets... 

mJrweGO.jpg

Andreas 

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Sorry to intrude, but any opinions on the Italeri 1/48 “Harvard Mk. 2a”?   Something, somewhere, makes me think it’s a reissue but I  can’t recall of what!

 

Jonny

 

 

 

 

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31 minutes ago, Jonny said:

Sorry to intrude, but any opinions on the Italeri 1/48 “Harvard Mk. 2a”?   Something, somewhere, makes me think it’s a reissue but I  can’t recall of what!

 

Yes, possibly a new part or two, but basically the Occidental kit.

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My 2 cents. The Monogram kit is quite a bit better overall than the Occidental kit. The Monogram kit is inexpensive, accurate and widely available. To me the Oxy kit is soft on the details. Sort of a mushy version of the Monogram kit. 

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I just built one. There were some issues, especially with the canopy fit and the older decals. I replaced the kit canopy with a vac canopy that fit and would properly stack, replaced the seats with Lion's Roar PE, and made seat belts from flattened solder. Overall it's a good kit and I'll enjoy building the other 2 in my stash with Caracal decals and vac canopies.

snj-done0.jpg

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