Just got this kit and my goodness is it awesome!! I imagine a Tamiya kit might be better-- but this one truly is nice just looking out of the box…
The best thing is it comes with a free 48 page Bert Kinzey book on Dive and Torpedo bombers…the books covers the following planes and give each between 3-10 pages of details and photos that you have come to know from his “In Detail” books…including in the more popular planes color pics of the interiors. The following planes are represented:
Curtis SBC Helldiver
Douglas TBD-1 Devastator
Vought SB2U Vindicator
Brewster XSBA-1 and Naval Aircraft Factory SBN-1
Douglas SBD Dauntless
Brewster SB2A Buccaneer
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
Grumman TBF & Eastern TBM Avenger
Consolidated XTBU-1 and TBY-2 Sea Wolf
Douglas XSB2D-1 & BTD-1 Destroyer
Kaiser-Fleetwings XBTK-1
Thanks for the tip, Jeeves. I might have to pick one up. I’ve seen the kits with the books, but didn’t know if it was worth it or not. Apparently, it is.
I built the origional Monogram kit back about 15 years ago, and it was an excellent kit for it’s day (I think the molds are at least 20+ years old). Funny thing, I just trashed what was left of it about a month ago. Time to build another one?
I’m assuming there has been no changes to the molds (still raised panel lines, no wheel well details,?).
The book is not “free”. The price of the package certainly accounts for the cost of the book, but I’d say it’s still a good value.
That book does not seem to be available here… Anybody interested in some swapping? The kit interest me too, by the way. I just nbeed to know what you’d need in exchange.
Well, the kit is 70’s vintage and it’s still a great model, even by today’s standards. And, it’s the only game in town for now…
You seriously can’t get the book combos over there, DJ? Hmmm… have you tried any mail order houses like Squadron or Steve’s Scale Hobby or any of the others? If not, I’ll see if one of my local shops has one.
The problem with ordering from the US is that I may get taxed upon arrival of the kit/book/whatever in the UK, and it makes things very prohibitive… Exchanging makes things easier as it can be sent as present, rather than goods. Failing that, I’m also happy to send cash by post