Sword 1/72 T-28B Trojan Kit First Look

By Dave Manter

First Look

The North American T-28 was both an Air Force and Navy trainer used from 1950 until the 1980's. It was built in 3 versions, A, B and C.

In 1952 the Navy evaluated the T-28A as a replacement of their SNJ trainers, and asked North American to replace the Wright R-1300 with the Wright R-1820. With the bigger engine, the horse power was almost doubled and the propeller was changed to a 3 blade constant speed propeller.

In 1962, North American began supplying T-28D's for the counter insurgency role. Some B models were modified by six under wing hard points in order to carry a variety of weapons and sent to Vietnam. Between 1962 and 1969 these modifications were formalized, and A's, B's and C's were strengthened, armored and in the case of the A's re-engined and designated T-28Ds.

Swords T-28B Trojan kit consists of 45 parts molded in grey plastic, 8 parts molded in clear plastic and a beautiful engine cast in resin.

The plastic parts are all molded very well, with lots of great detail. Flash is minimal as are the seam lines. Cleanup will be quick and easy. The panel lines are very fine look to be in scale. The cockpit consists of 13 parts with some very nice details such as the seat cushions being molded as separate parts. All of the instruments are supplied as decals, including the side panels. The instructions are very well written and will be easy to follow. Paint colors are called out during assembly. Markings are supplied for 5 aircraft on two beautifully printed decal sheets. All stenciling is included. The markings are for:

• T-28B, BuNo 138220, ATU-105, NAS Memphis
• T-28B, JASDF Hamamatsu AB, "Airpark" museum, 1964 – Present
• T-28B, 501st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, Matsushima/Iruma AB, JASDF, 1961-63
• T-28B, BuNo 140035, VT-27, Davis Monthan AFB, 1983
• T-28B, BuNo 139157, VT-2, NAS Whiting

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!