F4D-1 Skyray supersonic fighter/interceptor

This is an excellent kit all around. Fit of the parts is nearly perfect, with only a tiny amount of filler required. My only fit issue was that the excellent, multi-part ejection seat is too tall to properly close the canopy. This is a pretty minor gripe, since the cockpit is so detailed that you won't want to build it closed. There are molded switches, dials, and buttons on the sidewalls and front console, along with a nice control column. A decal is also provided for the instrument panel, if you would rather use that than paint the dials. The ejection seat has launch rails, release handles, headrest, blast curtain, and seat cushion molded in multiple pieces. The only thing you need to add to make a competition-worthy cockpit is a seat harness. The kit includes a full load of weapons: two rocket packs, two early-model Sidewinder missiles, two large drop tanks, and a NAVPAC, which is an equipment pod which resembles a small drop tank. The decals are superb-clearly printed, colorful, and very durable, they can stand up to being moved repeatedly, and even folded and unfolded. Three aircraft in the standard Gull Grey over white scheme are represented, including the very colorful markings on the box art. Be warned however-the box art plane takes quite a bit of patience in the decalling stage, but the results are totally worth it.

This is a typical tamiya kit. Pretty much falls together and no fit issues. This kit is a good weekend build. Heavy sprue connections on the wing leading edges makes sanding a little tricky. No option for an open canopy which is a shame since the cockpit detail is very nice. The intakes and the red warning decals around the intakes are a little tricky but you can get it all to fit with a little patience. Careful with the instructions, Step 2 shows putting part A6 in backwards. The decals are some of the best I've ever used out of the box. There is an error in the description section. There is no seated pilot, and the ordinance does not include rocket pods. Kit comes with 2 drop tanks, 2 generic type bombs and 1 nav pac. Great buy for $12.

Having built over 100 1/72 scale kits, I can honestly say that this one is in the top 5%. Molding is flawless, fit is perfect, and assembly easy as it gets. Landing gear is a bit fiddly, but well represented. Instructions are good, and should be followed carefully. Paint callouts abound. Decals are top notch. I would highly recommended this kit to all 1/72 aficionados.