Tracked propulsion
The Mole from "Thunderbirds"
3
RF-4E Phantom II, JASDF 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
Engine parts
OS2U Kingfisher Build
Kit Contents
Bussing-NAG 5 cm KwK 39/IL/60
Left
'40 Ford Standard Coupe
Left front
ROCAF S-2A/E/G Tracker
Pilot head
Soviet Naval Aviation (Pilot and Land Crew WW2)
Completed 1
TA-4 Skyhawk Israeli Air Force
Canopy Before Thin
Beechcraft T-34A Mentor
Finished
FIAT G.50 bis/AS "Freccia"
Complete 5
Milk Trike
Engine block
Smokey and the Bandit '77 Pontiac Firebird
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Box Art

Mitsubishi T-2
Review Author
Ron Verburg
Published on
February 24, 2016
Company
Platz
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$27.95

History

The Mitsubishi T-2 was a jet trainer aircraft used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. In 1967, Japanese aviation firms Fuji, Kawasaki, and Mitsubishi, each submitted proposals, and in September 1967, under lead designer Dr. Kenji Ikeda, Mitsubishi's design was selected. The official contract was issued for the development of the XT-2 was placed on 30 March 1968, with Mitsubishi as prime contractor and Fuji as Prime sub-contractor. Several other subcontracts with aerospace firms and other minor aviation manufacturers were also established.

Product Picture

Defiant Mk. I Rounded Exhaust

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
February 3, 2020
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$3.60

This is direct replacement for the Airfix part. At first glance you might question why a replacement is needed as the kit part is actually very nice. Upon closer examination you’ll see that Aires has spared the trouble of drilling out the exhaust tips to represent the open ends of the pipes. It’s worth the price of admission if you what to avoid that tedious task. The parts are easy to get off the casting block and a perfect match for the mounting holes on the base kit. Aires also makes another set with fishtail ends (set # QB 72 483) reviewed elsewhere in this site that don’t come in the Airfix kit. Thanks to Aires for improving an already great kit.

Defiant Mk. I Fishtail Exhaust

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
February 23, 2016
Company
Quickboost

This is direct replacement for the Airfix part. Like their rounded exhaust (part 72 482 see my other review) this is also a direct replacement for the kit parts. This detail set has the exhaust ends drilled out to save you the trouble of doing so. That’s especially helpful given the oval shape of the exhaust ends. The parts are easy to get off the casting block and a perfect match for the mounting holes on the base kit. Thanks to Aires-Quickboost for giving improved options for both exhausts provided in the base kit.

Package

Boulton Paul Defiant Control Surfaces
Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
February 23, 2016
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$6.49

This set replaces the horizontal stabilizers and elevators of the base kit. While the Airfix parts are certainly nice in their own right, this set allows the control surfaces to be posed and have slightly thinner trailing edges for a more scale appearance. Be very careful trimming the resin away from the mounting tabs and test fit to ensure as close a fit as the kit parts provide. The elevators fit very well into a recess molded into the stabilizers. If you want to have the rear control surfaces offset this is the way to achieve that. Thanks to Aires for the sample of a well done set.

Package

Defiant Mk. I De Havilland Prop w/Tool
Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
February 23, 2016
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$6.00

Aires-Quick boost has solved a few issues with the base kit in this set. The De Havilland prop is the one included in the Airfix kit. A comparison of the kit part to this one shows several advantages going to Aires. First, the spinner is cast as a single part with very fine lines representing the breaks in the real aircraft’s spinner. Next, there is a hole cast in the front that’s not on the kit part. The tool (jig) allows accurate placement of the blade angle. It also provides a hole that centers the spinner hole (you have to drill out) when you set it into the round recess provided. Be very careful to cut the blades off the casting block in a way to leave the maximum length to inset into the spinner. If you cut them short, you will have difficulty maintaining the 120 degree spread between the blades. Another plus for this set is the spinner on the version I built had a white front and black rear portion. Luckily there is a fine joint line right where the masking has to go.