Platz Hobby 1/144 T-6 Texan Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | December 2014 | Manufacturer | Platz Hobby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | T-6 Texan | Scale | 1/144 |
| Kit Number | PF-20 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Easy build, nice details | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (Yen) | ¥2,160 |
First Look
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North American developed one of the most successful training aircraft in the history of aviation. The initial version was the Model 16 (NA-16) that first flew in 1935, then modified into the NA-26 to compete for the Basic Combat (BC-1) trainer contract for the USAAC. Not only did North American win this competition, they supplied 400 to the RAF which became Harvard Mk.I.
The BC-1 and updated BC-2 were modified with new slightly swept wings and other distinctive aerodynamic changes to become the Advanced Trainer - AT-6 Texan for the USAAC and the SNJ for the US Navy. The Texan would continue to evolve into a number of training configurations and remain in production well into the 1950s, with nearly 15,500 examples built.
Platz has released several new subjects in 1/144 scale including this new-tool T-6 Texan. This kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on two parts trees plus a small tree of clear parts and a display stand molded in black styrene. As with many of the other kits in this series, there are actually two complete kits in this box. Each kit features a simple two-place cockpit though you won't see much through the canopy as it is molded closed. The landing gear can be built up or down, if you build it up, you can use the optional flight display stand. In addition, you have your choice of canopies to render the T-6G or the T-6F/SNJ-5.
Markings are provided for seven examples which include:
- T-6F, 62-0011, JASDF, 2014
- T-6G, 62-0127, JASDF, 1960
- T-6G, 72-0164, JASDF, 1968
- T-6G, 62-0127, JASDF, 1957
- SNJ-5, 6166, JMSDF, 1950
- SNJ-5, 6163, JMSDF, 1961
- SNJ-5, 153, JMSDF, 1954
This is another nice release from Platz Hobby and I hope they'll consider producing this subject in 1/48 scale as well!
For more information about this set and the other releases from Platz Hobby, visit their website at http://www.platz-hobby.com.
My sincere thanks to Platz Hobby for this review sample!