GRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kit

GRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kit

As one of the most famous and mass-produced modern military trainer aircraft, it is surprising that the Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II has not been represented in 1/72 scale – so far.

Grand Models is a new manufacturer of aircraft model kits, based in Tripoli, Greece. Its first model kit is the Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, famous military trainer/light attack aircraft, in 1/72 scale. It is the first time that a kit manufacturer decides to make a model of this important military trainer in this, most popular, scale.

Grand Models kit comprises 43 parts, finely moulded in grey coloured, good quality resin and there is also a fret with brass photo-etched parts for interior & exterior details. The clear canopy is vacuformed. The kit features generally accurate outline and shape.

Contents include a large decal sheet with waterslide transfers for no less than 6 nations (8 options in total): US Navy, USAF and also the Air Forces of Greece (both standard and special anniversary schemes included), Israel, Morocco, Iraq and Mexico.

The kit is cleverly designed by forming the fuselage in one main part (there is no left and right half), making the assembly (and modeller’s life) much easier and saving the trouble of putting a weight into the nose, as this (for the model to sit properly on the three wheels without dropping the tail) is already included in the resin one-piece fuselage part: A nice touch really! The same applies also for the wing: It comes in one main part, but the ailerons come separate. Rudder and tail control surfaces are also separate parts and can be assembled in any desired position.

The level of detail is exceptional, inside and out. The external detail is finely engraved and very realistic, with crisply recessed panels and subtle rivet lines, where appropriate, following exact plans and information from first hand aircraft research, at 120 Squadron HAF base in Kalamata and many expert modelers, who contributed to the design of the parts.

Inside we have a very detailed cockpit, with ejection seats of outstanding detail: even the smaller cables and tubes stand out in the resin parts, ready for a very careful and rewarding painting. Control columns (sticks) are separate items and look very convincing.

Both instrument panels have thin covers and instruments in photo-etched parts and decals, so it is an easy step to get a very convincing look.

Underwing racks are included, complete with ordnance, like twin 0.50 Caliber gun pods and external fuel tanks.

Undercarriage is very detailed, with nicely moulded wheels, legs and covers. The main wheels hubs have delicate engraved detail. The wheel wells are also nicely detailed and are correctly concave. Spinner and propeller blades are all separate items but the assembly of this step is very easy and straightforward. Blades are thin and sharp at the edges, and accurate to 1/72 scale.

The decal sheet is both large and very generous, as it provides plenty of handy options: no less than eight (8) markings options for five (5) different Air Forces and one for a US Navy aircraft.

Decal sheet quality is excellent (very thin film, excellent colours) and with a little care there should be no problem for the average modeler at all.

The instruction sheet comes in a CD disc and a more classic printed manual, including easy and explanatory drawings and information on painting, giving color codes of the most popular paint brands and Federal Standards numbers.

All in all, a very welcome addition to the 1/72 scale military aircraft collection and a very interesting subject, as the T-6 Texan II is the most popular modern trainer, with more than 1000 units produced so far, and many more to come.

As a resin kit, this little model will be an easy built, not only for the expert but also for the average modeler, who has no previous experience with resin material. It is also a fast build with excellent fit.This is a Limited Edition kit, so it is strongly recommended to all!

Retail price is 34 euros (plus postage at cost)

The kit can be ordered directly from the manufacturer, by sending an e-mail at: panbu@otenet.gr

Models shown here were built by Giannis Asimakos (HAF & Mexican) & Dimitris Bitsiaras (Israeli)

 

GRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kitGRAND MODELS Beechcraft T-6A/NTA Texan II, 1/72 scale resin kit
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