KIWI HARVARD

Commonwealth Trainer

- Sebastian Tartar

Тhis Special Hobby release is a rebox of the Academy kit of the T-6G Texan that was first released in 1998, with specific parts added allowing its conversion to the Harvard Mk II/IIA/IIB, and a decal sheet offering some colourful liveries from the British Commonwealth. Inside the box, we find three sprues moulded in a light grey plastic. The moulding is excellent, and the panel lines are thin, although some ejector pin marks will have to be dealt with during the build. Harnesses and a ring and bead sight are provided on a small photoetch fret. Some resin detail parts are also included. The Academy clear sprue is provided but will only be used for the landing light covers as Special Hobby include a clear sprue with no less than three canopies to cover the various versions offered. Care needs to be taken with these parts as they are extremely thin and fragile

The ten-page, A5-coloured instruction booklet is well designed and printed. You need to choose your airframe early in the build as the first option appears at step 4. The decal sheet is perfectly printed.

Upon looking at the proposed camouflage schemes, I was immediately attracted by NZ932 with its red numbers over yellow placards. Research only uncovered three pictures of this specific airframe, one of which shows the aircraft in an awkward position. Should you opt for a RNZAF Harvard, I recommend you have a look at 'The Harvard Pile' on www.rnzaf.proboards.com where many photos and some detailed information can be found.

Harvard Mk II/IIA/IIB British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

Kit No:72447

Scale: 1/72

Type: Injection Moulded Plastic

Manufacturer: Special Hobby www.specialhobby.eu