Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $84.95 Distributed by: Stevens International www.stevenshobby.com . I'm sure I am not alone when I state that I have waited for this release for a very long time. I have had in my possession now for years the Combat Vacuform offering that truly pales by comparison. Great news for all large scale tail hook buffs. Upon opening the box, one finds eleven runners in light grey styrene with more than 350 individual parts that appear to be very well done indeed. A separate box, (a la Trumpeter) contains a nice photo etched fret, clear (crystal like) components and rubber tires for installation on separate hubs, and a clear cowling to view the super detailed Pratt-Whitney R-2800 engine. To continue, the cockpit is nicely detailed, as is the firewall and turbo charger bay that includes all hoses and plumbing. Also, all control surfaces can be posed to the builders liking including the flaps and yes … the wings can be folded or assembled in the extended position. Gun bay panel covers are separate and complete armament is included should you desire to open them. The external stores consist of a centerline aux fuel tank, 2 iron bombs with pylons and 4 HVAR rockets. The engine is a kit in and of itself and it's almost a shame to cover it with the clear cowling painted over. I've taken the opportunity to look for any problematical ejector pin issues, but I haven't found any yet that would pose any real problems. All surface detail is nicely scribed to include rivet lines and don't appear to be overdone. Further positional items are the cowl flaps (open or closed) and canopy (same). The builder also has the choice of styrene or P.E. instrument panels. A large color profile sheet (multi-view) is included for decal placement along with a large sheet of decals with all maintenance stencils. Two sets of markings are offered here, both in glossy sea blue livery … The Commander of the Air Group (VF-19, B-100) in 1947 and my personal choice, a Naval Reserve Machine assigned to NAS, Akron Ohio in 1951. (The decal sheet includes a yellow reserve band, which is inaccurate … it should be international orange, but that's easily correctible.) The tiny Bearcat is considerably smaller (compare it to a Hellcat or Thunderbolt) and significantly lighter, although delivered too late to see much of a role in U.S. combat history, is none the less a welcome addition to Trumpeters growing list of subjects previously overlooked in this scale. It still holds the U.S. speed record for piston powered flight, and is still the fastest aircraft of any type from brake release to 10,000 feet. This kit can be built into a beautiful replica by any modeler with average experience. On balance, my first impression of this is extremely favorable, and I doubt that this will change. It truly appears to be one of Trumpeters best releases to date. Part 2 will be coming soon !! Many thanks to Stevens International's Laura Carney and Mike Bass for the review sample.

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