Part 2: The Build

This is the second part of my review of the Zoukie-Mura 1/32 J2M3 ‘Jack”. See Part 1 for images of the sprues and a general overview of what is included with the kit.

Section 1

The engine… and what an engine it is. There are forty-three parts broken over ten steps. Assembly begins by gluing the cylinder banks together. I was too aggressive in removing the sprue attachment points here so I had to fill some seams along the baffle plates. The cylinders were painted in Alclad aluminum and the crankcase hand-painted in gloss black. A dark wash was applied over the aluminum to make the details pop out. A lot of parts build off of the cylinders, so it is critical that everything aligns. Fortunately the instructions provide excellent detail as to where everything fits.

Academy’s models have a great reputation these days. This 1/72nd scale F-35A is the most recent addition to the stable of excellence.

This kit is a gem from the excellent packaging to the multi-color parts, which actually make it easier to build (as explained below). The decals are great, the plastic superb and crisp, and the appearance of the finished model is stunning. This is a lot of accolades, but they are accurate. In my opinion, this is the definitive new F-35 kit.

Introduction

Round 2 continues to re-release some of those oldies some of us loved way back when. For builders like me this truly is a second chance. I was not a car builder when these kits were initially released. This time we get a release with a twist. A Hot Rod Magazine inspired, Hemi powered 1972 Mustang. The twist is a coupon good for a year of Hot Rod Magazine when sent it in with a purchase receipt for the model. As for the model, you get about 60 parts molded in white, black, clear and chrome. There are two deployed drag chutes you can wire to the back of the car. I don’t see how that works since there is no driver included in the kit. The rear slicks are pre printer with a Goodyear logo. The instructions do not include any color callouts but the box top photos show some suggested colors. I say suggested because this appears to be a fictitious car created to (along with the subscription offer) promote Hot Rod magazine.