Introduction

Who doesn’t remember Airwolf? This show is everything good about the 80’s wrapped up into one full hour every weeknight! Highlights from the show include: the spy game, technology, the Communist threat, and, of course, one sleek, futuristic aircraft. Using a Bell 222, the producers of Airwolf designed a supersonic helicopter complete with enough weapons to take down an army, as well as every electronic gizmo. But this review isn’t about the show…so let’s get onto the kit, shall we?

The Kit

At first glance, the kit is a very cleanly cast. Everything is chock full of wonderful detail and very little flash. Included are two versions of the fuselage – clear and black. I will touch on these later, but let’s just say to throw the clear one away, it has no use. Additionally, the kit comes with a stand featuring 3 points of articulation…I loved the stand so much that I have asked Aoshima to release them separately.

This is the second Cyber Hobby ship model that I have been privileged to build as a reviewer (the first being the USS Virginia), and I will say that this was just as enjoyable of a build, representing a cruiser that saw service over five decades. There were no real complications with the build itself, but know going in that there are several photo etch items to add, and there are many small parts in the kit. The most challenging part of building this kit for me was the decals that are applied on the deck. If you have a fondness for the USS Chicago, or want to build a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, I would highly recommend this kit for you.

The Hobby Boss Ta-152C is a really nice kit; however, they made one really big mistake. They made the forward cowling with the incorrect oil cooler. It should have an annular oil cooler design. This is difficult to make in plastic, but in resin it is easy. This set will change the whole look of your kit’s nose.

Molded in light grey resin that is perfectly formed and blemish-free on a moderate pour block, the cowling has the annular cooler molded perfectly inside the cowling. The cowl flaps are molded closed. This may be not to some builders’ likings. I think it is fine just the way it is.

If you want to make your Hobby Boss Ta-152C an exceptional kit, you will need this engine cowling. This will address the biggest issue with the Hobby Boss Ta-152C in a simple, effective, and inexpensive way – a replacement for their forward cowling.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the review copy.