Speed Brakes, Gun Bays, Gun Barrels and Antennas for Jaguar 1

Published on
Review Author(s)
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$16.50
Product / Stock #
4605
Base Kit
Kittyhawk Jaguar I
Company: Aires Hobby Models - Website: Visit Site
Provided by: Aires Hobby Models - Website: Visit Site

Items Reviewed

These upgrades ramp-up the level of detail for the Kittyhawk Jaguar 1. Quickboost is a subdivision of Aires, so it’s the same manufacturer with the idea of simple, lower cost additions to upgrade things not requiring a major aftermarket effort… such as antennas.

As I was going all out on this build, I also purchased Aires Landing gear wells, Aires Improved intake scoops, the Aires Cockpit, ZOTZ decals from Eli for the Kosovo campaign, and must-have SAC gear from Ross to handle the weight of all the resin. I’m only planning on building one of these.

Aires is known for precision, and detail, and in order to achieve this, you MUST remove all traces (and then some, usually) of the pour stubs. And sometimes you have to modify the kit parts. Use your discretion and favorite methods. I use a bench belt sander and a Dremel ® tool with a shop vac. It’s a great way to destroy expensive parts if you are not methodical and slow, but care and patience are rewarded with the preparation time for parts is far faster, and this way the sanding dust is whisked away by the vacuum attachment. “Better for me lungs and keeping me around, sez I… “

The speed brake wells were first to install; careful trial fitting with the gear wells is imperative, as the installation of the exterior lower panels and exhaust augmentor tubes in this area rely on precision. I was not so careful, and due to that got the augmentors too far back, as the exterior panels would not close around them. I recovered, but it was work.

The Aires gun breech wells were next; no problem. Same for the gun muzzles; they are miniscule but have spring detail and are hollowed out. Very nice.

The rest of the kit took a while to finish; the basic kit is a bit over-engineered for my personal taste, and the detail level was pumped up with the aftermarket, and for once I wanted to do a total build with the aftermarket. Dropping the model on the main gear (which cleaned them off the jet) last night was not a good thing at the end of the build. I also had to drill a hole to drop in superglue to secure the nose weight, which had popped loose and was rattling around freely in the already-painted nose section. Grrr.

Last major things to add were the speedbrakes themselves, along with their actuating rams, gear doors with all their little bits, and the gun muzzle access doors. These are all detailed to the max with rivets, internal bracing, and other details… just cool!

The antennas from Quickboost were a fast addition at the end; carefully slice them free from the pour stub, and attach with superglue. Touch up paint, and done…well worth the effort. They are thin, detailed, and add the correct visual impression.

In the end, it’s a challenging but rewarding build; I’m still trying to decide which weapons to hang. Full marks for Aires; very nicely done, thanks again for taking care of our AMS needs!

Thanks very much to our great supporters at Aires for providing IPMS USA so many of their resin upgrades for review… IPMS/USA appreciates the opportunity and goodwill between us as we endeavor to create the best models possible!

Parts Package

Comments

Add new comment

All comments are moderated to prevent spam


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.