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MPM model in 1/72 scale : kit review & building report
The Seahawk is a nice newcomer from MPM in 1/72, the only other kit being the very old Airfix kit in this scale seen below....
The Airfix kit: very basic but not so bad for its days, made way back in the seventies. Dutch IPMS decals issued at that time were used, the plane being finished in the Dutch Naval air arm (MLD) scheme
The kit presented here is the MPM kit no. 72094. The kit is very fine, with some 35 parts and a good canopy. The accuracy is good and you will get a fine model in the end.
Improvements suggested:
- The recessed panellines are a bit
too fine; I re-scribed some of them, especially on the flying surfaces.
- the intakes are too simple and you
can see through... The Seahawk has an older style engine intake with guide
vanes. Add these from card;
- I also added the splitter plate
at the intakes; cut a slot and in the front end add the plate. The rear
end of the slot is the boundary layer gap.
- cut in the gun fairings slots and
make 4 holes for the guns in the lower forward fuselage
- the rear fuselage needs some attention
as its diameter is slightly too small to nicely fit the forward sections.
Only glue at the rear and adjust to fit the forward contour later on.
- add weight in the nose!
- the cockpit will benefit from some more detailing; the seat headrest is too small and the seat should be slightly more forward in the cockpit tub; correct this.
- add the sliding slots with a scalpel
at the base of the canopy in the aft fuselage area.
- cut in the gaps at the flying surfaces
with a razor blade
- add the various smaller intakes
and scopes.
Decals allows you to choose between an RNavy 810 NAS or 806 Squadron mk. 4 aircraft or an Indian Navy 300 squadron aircraft. The Indian roundels are unfortunately incorrect.
Commercial decal sets will come soon
I guess.
MPM kit parts and references
MPM
the
intake with guiding vanes added
fitting the aft tail section
added
cut-in slot near intake on top of fuselage and canopy sliding groove
- Warpaint 29: Seahawk, Hall park books, UK (released summer 2001)
- 4+ publications, Seahawk (released summer 2001)
- Website JetMan: Seahawk
, and
Check out
of the real Seahawk
on this site.
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