The Soviet Foxtrot class submarine, known as Project 641, was a diesel-electric powered attack submarine. First commissioned in 1971, they served until 1994 with Soviet and satellite operators. This particular boat first saw service with the Soviet Navy. When the Soviet Union broke up, this boat was in port in Ukraine. The fledgling Ukrainian Navy seized it, becoming the first, and only submarine in Ukraine service. Upon the Russian takeover of the Ukrainian State, the boat reverted to Soviet control. Interesting stuff indeed, and I still can’t pronounce the name!!

Introduction

This kit was initially issued in 1983. I first bought a copy from the BX at Sheppard AFB, TX in 1988, mine was the TWR Sports edition and is still in my stash!! I was always a bit nervous about the chrome trim on the body and getting it right, but it turns out I didn’t need to worry, Hasegawa did a great job molding this kit and it was not difficult to get a good result. This kit has held up exceptionally well for being 35 years old. The plastic is crisp and flash free and the fit is what you would expect from this company…..excellent!

CMK has produced a very nicely detailed resin replacement seat with molded on harnesses for the 1/72 Special Hobby Kittyhawk kits. The supplied items include nicely detailed harnesses and seat belt restraints. Although made for the Special Hobby Kittyhawk kits, the seat should be adaptable to any of the 1/72 P-40/Kittyhawk kits currently on the market. I dry-fitted to my Airfix Kittyhawk example (see photos).

Be sure to wash the parts in soapy water to remove mold release agents and prime prior to using your favorite modeling paints.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and CMK for the opportunity to review this item.