The Kit

This boxing contains the U.S. Army P-6E Fighter and the U.S. Navy F4B-4 Fighter. These kits are part of their “easy build” series, and are in fact re-released Monogram models. They even include the “in flight” display stand, with the Monogram markings.

Both aircraft are finely molded, “using the original molds”, showing no worse for wear over time. The panel lines, all be it raised, are detailed and look Very crisp. The sheet metal and fabric area textures are also molded in, and look very clean. There is little to no flash on any of the parts.

The Decals

The included Decals are printed by Cartograf and are very crisp. The color saturation is excellent and the clear portions are crystal clear. Here too there is very little flash or surround, except the usual areas such as the U.S. ARMY lettering.

The decals are for specific aircraft. The F4B-4 decals represent an aircraft from VB-3, which operated off the USS Saratoga during the 1930’s. The P-6E decals represent an aircraft from the 17th Pursuit Squadron, with the distinctive Snow Owl insignia, stationed at Selfridge Field Michigan during the early 1930’s.

Two areas that have proven problematic or at least tedious, when modeling this aircraft, the large teardrop markings on the cowl and the chevron tail, are here in provided as decals. The teardrops are four individual decals, and the chevron rudder is one multicolor decal.

Additional Features

An additional little feature with this boxing is the box separator. The separator has printed on it one PSP Runway Section and one Carrier Flight Deck Section, each is 5 ½ x 5 ½ inches.

Comments

The only thing I can think of that could possibly improve these kits, would be photo etch components to enhance the cockpits.