Dave Williams

Starting to come together. I'll be using the Quickboost ACES seats.

Well, it was 10 years ago. I'm not that familiar with the shelf life of Ventura Decals, but I do have some younger decals that are already starting to yellow.

Thanks. Just ordered a sheet. Since it's an "older" sheet, hopefully it's still good.

Well, it doesn't have to be a full sheet devoted to IAF Mosquitos. Could just be an option on a sheet of international Mosquitos. That might help the sales.

Thanks for the useful replies. The reason I said better than Revell/Tamiya might be better was to head off those simple responses. I looked through threads on multiple forums, as well as reviews and test-shot builds, but what was out there didn't seem to have much hard detail on accuracy, and I'm wary for relying only on test shot builds since the production kit might be different (unless it's Trumpeter ). For the record, my HK kit is scheduled to arrive in the mail tomorrow, and I have the Tamiya Mossie on pre-order from HLJ.

You are jumping to the wrong conclusion by assuming that if someone has negative comments that the model is toast, or that I'm being led by the opinions of other. You have no idea what my standards are. I am asking for information so I can decide if something is off enough to bother me and be able to correct as necessary. I'll check comments against references on my own to see if they are valid. Please don't make an assumption on why I'm asking the question or try to advise me on how I should make my kit buying decisions.

Now that the production kit is out, how is the accuracy of the kit for dimensions and shapes? I get the part that it looks like a Mosquito, is a better kit than the 40 year old Revell kit (expected), and may not be quite as good as the Tamiya kit (which doesn't mean it's a bad kit). Most of the reviews seem to focus on the fact that it's a new tool Mossie, and drool over the one piece moldings for the wings, nose, and fuselage, but I'm looking to move beyond that. Not trying to get into the micrometer toting accuracy Nazi realm, but just wondering if there are any big things that stand out. TIA.

Sure would be nice....

Trumpeter already released a SA365N with French Naval markings, but it has a civilian interior. They show a SA565 Panther as a future release.

Don't think it needs aftermarket tanks, and I'm not sure anyone even makes them. For the weapons, I don't think it's really necessary unless you want something not in the box, like Zactoman's AIM-9X. You can always get more detailed aftermarket weapons if you want, but what comes in the kit is pretty decent IMHO.

Did some work on the cockpit. I used the Kinetic PE IPs, but found that the printing on the backing for the rear IP was off, and didn't line up with the openings in the overlay. The front IP lined up perfectly. I also didn't do a good job of color matching the blue-gray of the PE. But, since I plan to do it cockpit closed, and it's a WIF, I'm not too worried about it.

Probably shares sprues with military helos like the AS365 and AS565.

You can see the sprees and instructions here. http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10316142/10/0

Instructions up. http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10320633/10/0

Wolfpack Designs made some, but I think they are OOP. http://www.wolfpack-d.com/catalog/htm/wp32/32013.html

Kinetic is actually Lucky Model. Try contacting them.

Skip the Aires burner cans. They are noticeably smaller in diameter than the kit rear fuselage. Personally, I don't think the Aires wheel wells are really needed. Seamless intakes are good to have, as is the G-factor metal gear.

Although the M-346s are painted gray, I intend to try the standard camo. I'll probably paint the tip of the nose and the rudder orange, like I've seen on some 102 Squadron Skyhawks.

Thanks, Danny. My first impression of the CMK set was that the floor wasn't deep enough. IIRC, the CMK tub is shallower then even the kit tub. Any thoughts on that?

In 2012, the IAF selected a new advanced jet trainer to replace their aging A-4s. Although the Skyhawks are still capable aircraft, they don't really replicate the cockpit and systems found in more advanced operational aircraft like the F-16I and F-15I. The aircraft they selected was the Aermacchi M-346 with deliveries starting in 2014. My WIF is based on the preposition that the IAF selected a Bae Hawk 100 series version for advanced jet training. In addition to training, the IAF Hawk 130 would be able to be used in a wartime emergency role as a light attack aircraft. Consequently, the Hawk would be fully combat capable and camouflaged. The kit is the Kinetic Hawk, with the Kinetic Hawk 127 PE set, and decals robbed from some IAF Skyhawk sheets. Hopefully, I'll be able to start this weekend.

Thanks. One advantage of armor is that you can sometimes hide mistakes with weathering, something you can't on a car model, unless it's a derilect. Thanks to all for the comments. I was going to add the stowage that came in the kit, but decided to keep it for doing the Dragon kit later on. Overall, I'm happy with it in the end. Even the Tamiya decals worked out ok.

How about an Israeli Hawk 100 series trainer? I'm thinking camo and armament for use in a wartime emergency role like they did with their Magisters.

Calling it done!

Instructions here. http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10316142

Nearly there. Painting and weathering done. Just need to add periscope lenses, lights, and external armament.