V156B1 (SB2U) Chesapeake WWII Fighter/Bomber

The Academy V-156-B1 offers the builder the choice of markings to build either French Navy or FAA Vindicators. After reading the in Action book on the Vindicator by Thom Doll and learning of how the French squadrons took the fight to the enemy when the Germans invaded France in May of 1940, I opted to build the French version. Before I go any further, I highly recommend a copy of either the in Action book on the Vindicator, or the book by Dana Bell. The instructions have a lot to be desired, and these books were of a great help on this build. If building the French version, it's important to note that Academy did not mold the dive brakes into the wings and they do not offer a windscreen other than the one with the slot for the gun sight. The French V-156F didn't use the telescopic style sight. The cockpit is very, very detailed; however it goes together nicely. Insertion into the fuselage was confusing thanks to the instructions, but eventually went OK. The fuselage halves fit together OK, though the front part didn't fit that great, but the cowling covers that section. Yes, the cowling. Five pieces of plastic mayhem. The pieces didn't fit that great and considerable time sanding/filling was required. Wing fit to fuselage was excellent, as was the horizontal stab fitment. The instructions for setting up the open canopy option are good, but the fitment has much to be desired. Decals are excellent, and that was a relief. Definitely a kit for someone with experience. I've a few Eastern European kits in the rear view, and as tough as those were, the experience gained went into this kit to get an acceptable outcome. A good kit, but be prepared for a workout to get a nice result.