JimH wrote:
That's an interesting read...it's like re-living this entire build. I really like the kit and knew it was going to be a lot of work from the time I opened the box. I have the Smirnoff version as well...those big blue decals will be a nightmare. For all its faults its much easier than modifying a Testors or similar kit.
Jim
I reread it last night myself, and was surprised I didn't have nightmares last night.
If I HAD to build another one, I would--as I suggested in the review--buy the HP kit, then use it as a "conversion set" and transplant all the Conquest I specific parts onto a HobbycraftAcademy kit (including the cowling--the HP Bearcat has THE most accurately shaped cowling of any of the 1/48 Bearcat kits). The basic HP airframe is just TOO much of a PITA to get together. (I now know that the Hawk/Testor kit is so inaccurate in so many areas that it's worth building these days ONLY as a "fun with nostalgia" exercise.)
The decals were beautifully printed, though, even if horrid to work with.
Good luck with yours!
