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In-Box Review
148
Type 4 GT/1 ejection seat
Type 4 GT/1 for the Airfix Folland Gnat T.1/F.1
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by: Andy Brazier [ BETHEYN ]

History
The Folland Gnat was a small, swept-wing British subsonic jet trainer and light fighter aircraft developed by Folland Aircraft for the Royal Air Force, and flown extensively by the Indian Air Force.
The Gnat was designed by W.E.W. Petter as a development of the private venture Folland Midge, and first flew in 1955. Its design allowed its construction without specialised tools by countries not highly industrialised.[1][2] Although never used as a fighter by the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Gnat T.1 trainer variant was widely used. The Gnat became well known as the aircraft of the RAF's Red Arrows aerobatic team.
The Gnat was exported to Finland, Yugoslavia and India. The Indian Air Force became the largest operator and eventually manufactured the aircraft under licence. India then developed the HAL Ajeet, a modified and improved variant.
Info from Wikipedia

In the bag
Packed in Pavla's usual clear bag with a cardboard header the one ejection seat is in one piece with a small casting block attached to the underside of the seat.
Detail is quite exquisite with a moulded on harness, and ejection pull rings.
Compared to the kits offering, which itself is pretty good, the Pavla seat is a bit more refined.
There does seem to be a slight moulding defect at the rear of the seat, but this shouldn't be noticeable once it is in the cockpit.
One notable difference is the Pavla seat is thinner width wise then Airfix's seat.
The only downside of this release is the inclusion of only one seat, so if you are building the T.1 version then you will have to buy two packs.
No painting guide is included, so you will have to consult the Airfix instruction sheet and what ever references you have for painting.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Nice detail
Lows: Only one seat supplied for the T.1 version. Slight mould defect on my sample.
Verdict: A nice addition for the cockpit of the Airfix 1/48th Gnat.
Percentage Rating
85%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID:  S 48046
  Suggested Retail: £2.25
  PUBLISHED: Feb 23, 2015
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 84.81%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 88.99%

Our Thanks to Pavla Models!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Andy Brazier (betheyn)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH EAST, UNITED KINGDOM

I started modelling in the 70's with my Dad building Airfix aircraft kits. The memory of my Dad and I building and painting a Avro Lancaster on the kitchen table will always be with me. I then found a friend who enjoyed building models, and between us I think we built the entire range of 1/72 Airfi...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Brazier [ BETHEYN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



   
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