Platz Hobby 1/144 MU-2 JASDF Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | December 2014 | Manufacturer | Platz Hobby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | MU-2 JASDF | Scale | 1/144 |
| Kit Number | PF-22 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Easy build, nice details | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (Yen) | ¥2,160 |
First Look
 |
 |
The Mitsubishi MU-2 was the first aircraft design undertaken since the end of World War II with design work beginning in 1956 and first flight in 1963. The MU-2 became a popular military and utility aircraft not only in Japan, but was a great success in the United States and around the world. Mooney Aircraft acquired the rights to assemble and sell the MU-2 in the US market until 1969 when they faced financial difficulties, Mitsubishi took over the US operation and continued to sell aircraft through 1986.
I first ran into the MU-2 when I was going to school in San Angelo, TX in 1974 and also working on my commercial pilot's license. Down the ramp from my flight school were the Mitsubishi hangars with crates going into one hangar, green aircraft being pulled out of that hangar and into the next, and out of that hangar came freshly painted MU-2s. The aircraft looked like it was going fast while parked but it was louder than a banshee with those Garrett engines (which I'd hear again later with the OV-10).
Platz has released several new subjects in 1/144 scale including this new-tool MU-2. This kit represents the early MU-2 (MU-2B/C/D/E/F) and there are actually two complete kits in the box (only one shown here). The kit provides a basic flight deck which can be seen through the windscreen and your choice of standard radome and extended (search) radome as used by the JASDF rescue MU-2E. The kit can be built with the landing gear raised or extended and an optional display stand is included for each kit.
Markings are provided for four examples which include:
- MU-2B-20, JA8770, 1970-1985
- MU-2 (LR-1), JG2001, 1967
- MU-2A, 63-3228, JASDF, 1986
- MU-2S, 13-3209, JASDF, 2014
This is another nice release from Platz Hobby and I hope they'll consider producing this subject in 1/72 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!