Lift Here Models 1/72 Cessna 310A/U-3A Kit First Look
By Chuck Holte
| Date of Review | October 2014 | Manufacturer | Lift Here Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Cessna 310A/U-3A | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | 021 | Primary Media | Resin |
| Pros | Nicely molded, great box art and decals, unique kit/subject | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (Euro) | 49.95€ |
First Look
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The U-3A, otherwise known in the US Air Force as the "Blue Canoe," is the military version of the twin engine, low wing, five passenger civil aircraft manufactured by Cessna as their Model 310 in the late '50s and early '60s. The USAF bought 160 "off the shelf" aircraft as U-3A in 1957 (originally designated as L-27) and 35 more in 1960-61as U-3Bs with more powerful engines, longer nose and swept vertical fin. The U-3A/B served as a light transport and administrative support aircraft for the USAF, and later the US Army and US Navy, into the 1970s. More info on the U-3 can be found at the National Museum of the US Air Force.
The Lift Here kit of the Cessna 310/U3A is to my knowledge the first ever 1/72 scale kit in either resin or styrene. The kit consists of 30 nicely molded off-white resin parts including a resin master for the two clear vacuform canopies. Included are a small, 6 x 8 ½ inch, two-sided black and white instruction sheet and two nicely printed 3 ¾ x 1 ¾ inch color decal sheets for the markings of the three USAF aircraft illustrated on the full color print on the bottom of the box. Decals and illustrations include U-3A 58-2124 as restored and on display at the National Museum of the USAF, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH.
The kit has some "flash" on the smaller molded parts, a one-piece wing with wing- tip fuel tanks, engine nacelles and open main gear wells molded in place. The main fuselage is molded in one piece with an integral cockpit "tub" and open nose gear well in place. Panel lines are restrained. The two props are molded with the blades attached to the spinners. The cockpit parts include a dash coaming, instrument panel, control yokes, two individual front seats and a back seat. As stated earlier, the cockpit canopy is in one piece, vac-formed with clear windows and a spare and even includes the resin canopy master.
In summary, this kit looks good in the box and also when the major parts are test fitted. No noticeable pin holes or warpage on my example. Although a bit expensive, it is a kit long overdue for 1/72 USAF modelers. "Well done" to Lift Here Models.