Lockheed Hudson Mk.IV/V

Italeri, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Italeri's 1/72 scale Hudson Mk.IV/V will be available online from Squadron.com
 

While touring the USA looking for aircraft for the RAF, the British Purchasing Commission were offered the Hudson, a modification of the civilian Lockheed Model 14, by the US Lockheed Company. The aircraft was used with success in maritime patrol, anti-submarine and bomber roles. The earliest variants were powered by Wright Cyclone engines, but the Mark Iv and V variants as depicted in this kit were fitted with Pratt and Whitney Twin Wasp engines. The cowls for the Twin Wasp powerplants were of a different, less bulged design.

Following close on the heels of MPM's Hudson Mk.I/II kit, Italeri has now released their Hudson Mk.IV/V. In fact, this kit shares almost all of the parts of the MPM kit with the exception of the engine cowlings. Italeri supplies the straighter engine cowls associated with the Mk.IV/V.

The kit comprises 151 parts in grey plastic, 24 parts in clear ad markings for five aircraft.

 

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

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The plastic parts are smooth and crisply moulded. with small sprue attachment points. Surface detail is by way of very fine recessed panel lines with a few raised reinforcement strips where appropriate. There is a little bit of fine flash around some of the parts that will need to be cleaned up, but otherwise the presentation of the plastic is very good indeed

The interior of the fuselage is nicely detailed, with a comprehensive cockpit plus bulkheads and floor detail in the main cabin. The instructions suggest that you can cut out the moulded-shut door as an option, and a separate door is supplied if you decide to do so.

The clear parts are very thin and crystal clear.

Decals by Cartograf include markings for five varied aircraft in RAF, RCAF and RAAF markings. with schemes in Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey, Dark Earth and Dark Green, and Dark Green and Ocean Grey. The decals are in perfect register although the red in the roundels looks a bit bright. Raiding the spares box will fix this problem.

Spare parts include the Wright Cyclone engines, but please note that the early cowls are not included.

This is the first co-operative venture between MPM and Italeri, and it opens some fascinating opportunties. The high quality and level of detail of MPM's latest mouldings now at least meets the standard of mainstream manufacturer Italeri. The strategy of each company releasing a distinctly different and individually desirable variant is clever, and will ensure the maximum use of these excellent moulds.

Do keep in mind, though, that there are no locating pins so a little more time than usual will be required for test-fitting and aligning the kit parts before committing to glue.

As far as I am aware, there has never been a 1/72 scale Hudson Mk.IV/V kit available (the old and immensely inferior Airfix kit was a Mk.I), so the Italeri boxing is especially welcome.

Italeri's 1/72 scale Hudson is crisply moulded, well detailed and includes a great selection of markings.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Italeri for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2006 by Brett Green
Page Created 14 July, 2006
Last updated 14 July, 2006

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