The Kit

This is another of the 1/144 aircraft for Zvezda’s “Art of Tactic” game system. As such, it’s designed to be robust enough to stand up to handling and repeated abuse. It also means that some of the delightful little details and add-ons you find on other 1/144 fighter kits aren’t there. The kit is only 8 parts plus the stand, and it’s designed to be a snap-together kit. OK, but the horizontal stabs won’t take much handling, and I recommend glue.

Assembly

This was really easy. The single-piece fuselage snaps onto the single-piece wing, the horizontal stabilizers snap into place and immediately fall out, the prop assembly presses onto the pin, the solid canopy presses onto a pin, and the landing gear press into place. I did the painting before putting the prop, gear and canopy on.

Iliad Design continues to add interesting decal sets to their line. They have selected seven unique early Spitfires for their most recent 1/72 set #72009. Any of the markings will make a 1/72 Mk.I (actually, Mk.1a) stand out among the usual fare. Included on a single sheet are markings for:

Overview

Since its entry into Navy service in January of 1969, the Hawkeye has been the carrier-borne “eye in the sky” of the fleet. First flown October 21, 1969, the E-2 series has participated in every US combat action since Vietnam. After a rough start due to some teething problems with the electronics on board, the E-2 series is ready to serve into the foreseeable future in the form of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. This model represents the E-2C series serving with VAW 126, The Seahawks. The Seahawks began operations with the Hawkeye back in April, 1969. The squadron has served around the world aboard 8 different carriers. Sporting an upgraded electronics suite and the wicked looking scimitar propellers, the E-2C has a utilitarian look that matches its mission.

The Kit