I've not built any of the large scale, newer generation kits from Hasegawa before, which made the quality, fit and detail of this kit a real surprise for me. However, I still felt that areas of the kit could do with a bit boost and as a consequence the following after market items were included in the build.
- Quinta Studio Interior 3D Decal (QD32083)
- Quickboost Control Column (QB32018)
- Quickboost Spinner (QB32183)
- Quickboost Exhausts (QB32291)
- Quickboost Dust Filter (QB32016)
- Aires Wheel Bays (AIRE2016)
- Barracuda Main Wheels (BCR32072)
- Barracuda Tailwheel Set (BCR32393)
- Barracuda Underwing Cannon Gunboats (BCR32168)
- Master Gun Barrels (AM32-062)
- Eduard Canopy Masks (EDJX007)
- Montex Masks (MXMM32001)
Although all of these items were significant improvements over the kit supplied parts, I was less than impressed with the fit of the Aires Wheel Bays and because of this I wouldn't be inclined to use them again.
As for the build of the kit, it was very straightforward with no major issues and this enabled me to progress to the painting stage very quickly. For this I used SMS paints RLM02 Grau, RLM04 Gelb, RLM66 Schwarzgrau, RLM70 Schwartzgrun, RLM79 Sandgelb, RLM76 Lichtblau, FS17875 Insignia White and FS37038 Camo Black. However, after consulting numerous references I felt that the SMS RLM79 was far too light, and therefore I resorted to mixing my own colour for the upper surfaces which I feel looks a lot better.
Once the painting was completed the markings were applied using the Montex Masks and some of the kit supplied decals, which was then followed by a panel line wash and a coat of Gunze Mr.Color UV Cut GX113 Super Clear Flat to seal everything in.
As this model was built for a customer any weathering was kept to a minimum. It was also an absolute joy to build, and I look forward to doing many more of these kits given the chance to do so.
