![](images/squadronbannernewbg_6.JPG)
Czech Model's 1/48
scale T-34C Turbo Mentor Light Strike Aircraft
is available online from Squadron.com
S
u m m a r y
|
Catalogue Number: |
CM4810 |
Scale: |
1/48 |
Contents and Media: |
51 parts in short-run injected grey styrene;
25 parts in cream-coloured resin; 2 clear parts on a vacform sheet (canopy
and spare); decals for two aircraft. |
Price: |
USD$26.97
from Squadron.com |
Review Type: |
FirstLook |
Advantages: |
Appealing subject; high-quality
plastic; good detail; crisply engraved surface features; rocket pods,
racks and gunsights included; effective use of even more multi-media! |
Disadvantages: |
Some flash; shiny surface could use
with some basic preparation; no depiction of wing formation lights. |
Recommendation: |
Recommended to modellers with some
experience working with short run kits. |
Reviewed by
Brett Green
When I reviewed Czech Models' initial release of the T-34C Turbo
Mentor in November last year, my closing comment was the hope that some decal
company would come out with markings for Latin American camouflaged
ground-attack Turbo Mentors.
Czech Models has gone one better by reissuing the kit with not
only markings for two Light Strike aircraft, but also adding 15 new resin parts
for rocket pods, mounting racks and a gunsight.
This second version of Czech Model's 1/48 scale T-34C Turbo Mentor is as welcome
as the first. The kit comprises 51 parts
in grey styrene, 25 parts in cream-coloured resin, two vacform canopies (including
a spare) and decals for two US Navy training aircraft.
Apart from an extra 15 resin parts and the new decal sheet, the
kit is otherwise identical to the initial issue. This is a good thing, as the quality of the plastic parts is
high and surface detail is crisply engraved. The texture of the control
surfaces is very nicely depicted.
The plastic is quite itself is quite shiny which, for me, was a
bit off-putting at first. However, there are no sink marks or ejector pins in
visible locations anywhere on the model. The sprue attachment points are quite
restrained too. The trailing edges of the wings and tail surfaces are fairly
thin, but a little sanding will not hurt.
Click the thumbnails below to view
larger images:
Resin parts are supplied for the cockpit tub, seats, resin wheels,
forward wheel well and intakes. These resin parts are very well done - detail is
crisp and my sample displayed no casting imperfections. However, the cockpit tub
and wheel well feature substantial casting blocks that will need to be carefully
removed. Take your time with the seats too - it will be easy to cut through the
bottom of the seat when these blocks are being removed.
![](images/t34creviewbg_resin2.jpg)
A vacform canopy is supplied with a spare in case of disaster.
The canopies are very clear and totally free of distortion.
The additional resin parts for the rockets, caps and wing racks
are supplied in a separate bag. Two gunsights are provided, so you will have one
for the spares box.
![](images/t34clightattackreviewbg_ordnance.jpg)
Engineering is typical of a limited run kit. The wings
mount flat against the fuselage, but the surface area of the join will be quite
large so reinforcement may not be necessary. On the other hand, the tail
surfaces should be reinforced with wire or rod to supplement the locating
dimples. Some small details will need to be supplied by the modeller, such as a
wire axle for the front wheel. Also, typical of limited run kits, there are no locating pins
so care should be taken to align the parts accurately.
Instructions are called out over ten
construction steps on four letter-sized pages. These instructions seem to be
quite adequate.
![](images/t34clightattackreviewbg_decals.jpg)
Markings for one Argentine Navy and one Royal Moroccan
T-34C are
supplied on the decal sheet.
The availability of ordnance and alternate markings for Czech
Models' 1/48 scale T-34C Turbo Mentor adds even more appeal to this attractive
package.
However, keep in mind that this model is not a "shake and bake"
mainstream kit. As a limited run model, it will require a little extra time in
preparation and assembly, but should deliver a good looking result when
finished.
Anyone with some experience of limited-run kits should be
capable of completing this kit without much trouble.
Recommended.
Thanks to Squadron.com for the review sample.
Review and Images Copyright © 2003 by Brett
Green
Page Created 07 May, 2003
Last updated 12 August, 2004
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