I have always build 1/48 scale modern jets. I am interested in getting into 1/72 scale but don't have much knowledge of the kits available on the market and I have been told to watch out for some kits (even Hasegawa) as they have raised panel lines. These are the planes I am interested in building:

- F-14A/F/D
- F-15E
- F-16CJ
- A-7E
- F/A-18D/E/F
- A-6
- A-10

Any advice on manufacturer? Fujimi, Hasegawa, Academy?

Anything with raised detail is , right out ? Hmm, too bad, you are going to miss out on some fine kits out there.

check 72scale.com

Here you can find everything in that scale, with recommendations for best kits and all.

hth

I use to build Fujimi.

Look out, if you wish to build the Hasegawa F-14, not to buy the old kit with raised lines. The Academy F-14 is basically the copy of the newer Hasegawa F-14 (with engraved lines), not bad for a fair price. The best is the Fujimi F-14.

As for A-10s, there is the old Hasegawa with raised lines, the Academy with engraving, but bad shape, and the Italeri, which has too big recesses as panel lines, and is a bit simplicistic compared to the others, but still has the right shape.

A-6: Fujimi is the right one, the Hasegawa is very old, with raised lines and poor fit.

F-15: new Hasegawa is basically the same as the Academy (or vice versa), both good, the Korean is cheaper.

F-16: Fujimi looks good, but the surface detail is a bit soft. Hasegawa is OK, too. If you can get the old Esci kit, that was surprisingly good for its price (also repackaged as AMT, and Revell AG).

F-4s: Hasegawa and Fujimi are both very nice kits.

I did not build many modern jets, but these are those I know - hope it helps.

Ah yes, for the Corsair the best option is the Esci (AMT), and for the F-18s definitely the Fujimi kits.

The Fujimi A-6 family of kits are good. Lots of parts, I have the A-6A and KA-6D better detail than the Hasegawa A-6E I have.
Revell have some nice kits in this scale. Italeri are good value for money but will need more work.

I would recommend getting the Hasegawa weapon sets as they will provide you with more options.

David

A review of the Revell 1/72 F-16CJ

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Kits/RoG/1.72/F-16-block50-52/F-16.htm

David

A person can get in trouble making a blanket statement, I know, but...I have a number of 1/72 scale Academy kits, and I have been very happy with all of them. I have no trouble recommending them to you.

Cheers,
Mike