Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $42.95 Well, all I can say is "FINALLY"! After several false starts from other manufacturers, the Goodyear F-2G, manufactured right here in my back yard (Akron, Ohio) has finally come on the market as a multi media kit. Molded in grey styrene, my sample kit appears to be flash free with very nicely engraved panel lines that appear that they would be able to accommodate a wash technique very well. Also included is a photo etched fret with seat belts, intake screens, handles and the like with an instrument panel face and film instruments. With respect to the resin cast parts, there is a complete cast Pratt & Whitney R-4360 WASP Major Engine with each cylinder cast separately. Further, the exhaust pipes are cast individually as well, which will take some judicious handling or the infamous "carpet monster" will devour them. There are two vacuformed canopies supplied with the kit, in case you mess one up trimming it (as I inevitably do). The decals provided appear very well printed and are for, as the box art depicts, Cook Cleland's # 57 flown by Ben McKillen in the Thompson Races of the "40s. I will need to check reference photos to determine that the scoop included in the kit is correct for this particular aircraft. The restored version appears to be much higher than what is here, but it may well be correct for the original version. All in all, this looks to be an extremely nice offering from Special Hobby, and I'm looking forward to the build. My only disappointment, and a minor one, is the flaps are molded in the up position…! I would have much preferred to see them down, although they may have decided that fitting the white "sunburst" decals to lowered flaps would be ticklish at best. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Many thanks to the folks at Special Hobby for the review sample. The completed aircraft will follow soon. Recommended.

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