STORMO! Forums

I was considering ordering the kit from Mr. Kit, but they are charging $36.00 shipping...ouch. Are there any stateside sources for the kit or should I opt for the Special Hobby version minus the resin cockpit. Thanks.

If we're talking about the 1/48 version, then go with the SH kit. It is available at Squadron for $40.50. Here's a link for an in-box review if you have any qualms about the kit. I purchased a set of Sky decals #13 to shore up the decals that come with the kit.

http://www.aeroscale.co.uk/modules.php? ... nt&id=2649

If you want to build the torpedo-carrying prototype, the Flying Machines kit is your only option in 1:48, because the SH boxing doesn't come with the aerosilurante lower wing. The Flying Machines boxing has both the lower wing with the central radiator and the modified wing with the radiators under the wings.

Best wishes,
Brendan

Does the cockpit resin in the Flying Machine add value beyond the torpedo-carrying aspect [for which I have no interest]? I think the Special Hobby just has the injected cockpit and as far as I can determine, no one makes a resin cockpit for the kit. The SH cockpit looks pretty Spartan. Thanks.

Unless you wish to pose the canopy open, there is no real benefit with the resin cockpit. The canopy framing is quite thick and not much can be seen through it... unfortunately. Falcon did a vacform canopy (as part of a set) that was designed for the Classic Airframe kit, but I don't know if this is still available or if it will fit the SH/FM kit.

Chris Busbridge wrote:Unless you wish to pose the canopy open, there is no real benefit with the resin cockpit. The canopy framing is quite thick and not much can be seen through it... unfortunately. Falcon did a vacform canopy (as part of a set) that was designed for the Classic Airframe kit, but I don't know if this is still available or if it will fit the SH/FM kit.

We spend all that time on cockpits and usually the only things we can see are the stick, the seat, and the seatbelts!

thanks for the insight. think I'll go with the SH version since the kits are the same basically and I guess the resin probably is not of Aries or CMK quality and like you said...all that cockpit work...with nothing to see....

I took a look at my SH G.55 and to tell you the truth, I really don't think you need any aftermarket stuff for the cockpit. There's already a short p-e fret with some interior pieces. The darn thing is so small you will be hard pressed to see any detail any way.

What I do think needs an upgrade is the exhaust stack. Spartan and no port holes. You might be able to shove in an Ultracast resin Macchi exhaust and be none the wiser.