Instructions and decals
Kit instructions are in A4 booklet format with the typical exploded view style in 24 steps. Printed in grayscale, the steps where you need to choose between options are clearly indicated.
The painting and decal guides are full page for each option in colour, with paint references showing FS codes and Italeri’s own range of acrylics.
The other two options are:
• CH-47F US Army 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Bagram AB, Afghanistan 2012
• CH-47J JASDF 12th Riodan, 12th Herikoputatai, 12th Hikotai, Somagahara AB, Japan 2013
A single decal sheet is supplied with plenty of stencils and markings applicable to each option. Colour and register seem ok at first glance. There are also decals for walkways, instrument console and seatbelts if you so choose.
Conclusions
All told a reasonable base kit to work with, but I would definitely spend some money on aftermarket to embellish the level of detail, given the size of the kit. With the addition of two small sprues on their HC Mk1 kit, this has been an easy re-release for Italeri.
Certainly recommended
Mick S.
Quick summary Star rating out of 5
FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
---|---|
Quality of moulding | *** |
Value for money | **** |
Accuracy | *** |
Instructions | **** |
Decals | *** |
Subject choice | **** |
Overall | **** |
But let’s not finish there
Let’s have a quick look at some aftermarket items I have purloined for this impending build.
The interior cargo area PE detail set primarily focuses on the highly visible cargo ramp and side walls.
The cockpit set is a simplified Zoom offering that contains an instrument panel coaming, instrument panels and CB’s, seat belts for the cockpit crew and internal cabin placards.
Although this one is for an HC Mk1, there was no difference to a HC Mk2.
The third Eduard set is for the gunship version and contains seatbelts and safety straps.
As masking canopies is not one of my all time favourite tasks, I cheated and acquired the Montex set.
Again, not specific for an HC Mk2 but identical in every way.
Look out for the build soon…
Mick S.