The Tupolev Tu-2, along with the Petlyakov Pe-2, are arguably two of the most eye-pleasing twin-engine attack aircraft of World War II. In 1/72 scale, the Airfix Pe-2 has been available to modelers since the 60’s. An injection-molded Tu-2 kit in this scale was finally boxed by ICM in the late 90’s.

The “T” is the torpedo-toting version of the venerable attacker, and the sprues containing the torpedoes, pylons and support struts are clean and crisp – comparable I suspect to recent ICM releases. However, the remaining sprues have to be first-mold, and are heavily draped in flash. The plastic is also very soft – similar to new Airfix kits – and the sprues gates are thick and ill-placed, like a Trumpeter kit. My review deadline for this build came and went partially because I spent an inordinate amount of time carefully cleaning parts and removing sprue nibs. Builder be warned.

Twobobs Aviation Graphics are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and keep producing outstanding decal sheets for modern military jet aircraft. A-10C Hoosier Hawgs (72-111/32-072) celebrates three “Blacksnakes” A-10s of the 163rd Fighter Squadron based at Fort Wayne Air National Guard Station, Indiana. This decal sheet reflects the commemoration of 100 years of aviation in the Indiana Air National Guard.

This decal set has the option to build five aircraft – four in the traditional gray camouflage scheme (tail numbers 192, 213, 679, 692) , the remaining in the distinctive 100th anniversary black over gray camouflage (244), following the traditional A-10 gray pattern.

Twobobs Aviation Graphics are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and keep producing outstanding decal sheets for modern military jet aircraft. A-10C Heritage Hawgs (72-110/32-071) celebrates three A-10s promoting heritage and morale. Twobobs chose A-10s from the active, reserve and National Guard squadrons:

405th Fighter Squadron celebrating the 75th anniversary of their squadron, replete in a P-47 Thunderbolt scheme from Western France in 1944

A-10 Demonstration Team (Davis Monthan AFB) in a SEA (Southeast Asia) F-105 scheme dedicated to Vietnam POW/MIA, flown during the 2021-2022 airshow season

303rd Fighter Squadron (USAFR) painted in D-Day invasion stripes in honor of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion.

A new kit from HobbyBoss this year is the A-4M Skyhawk with new parts, specific for the “M” version. Previously released HobbyBoss kits are the A-4E & F in 72nd scale.

In the Box

This kit comes with 6 sprues with two (2) brand new ones that are different from previous A-4 kits (A-4E & F versions). New sprues are D and F. Remolded/Common sprues are B, C & G (2X). The plastic is molded in light gray and the sprues are individually wrapped in clear bags. Parts count is over 160 pieces. Most of the parts come from the ordnance sprue, G, which has 45 pieces, each (90 total).

Instructions are formatted in a simple booklet format stapled down the center and has 8 steps.

Decals represent Low-Vis markings for the following:

Scale Aircraft Conversions has made a name for itself by providing metal replacements for some of the more fragile parts of aircraft models in a range of scales, these mostly being landing gear and other assorted paraphernalia. This set is no exception, offering direct replacement parts for both the elaborate main gear and tail gear.

Made in the usual cleanly cast white metal, this set includes 11 parts and all are direct replacements for the plastic items in the kit, making for far sturdier gear than the kit provides, and being metal, they can also be gently adjusted to accommodate any slight inconsistencies in the model. The tail wheel is particularly welcome as the kit item is somewhat fragile and prone to breakage.

All in all, this set is easily cleaned up and requires no cutting or trimming of the kit itself. Simply installed, they also add a certain “heft” to the finished item. I recommend this set without hesitation.