This
is my first post for ARC, although I have made some modern jet scale models for
quite some time. I pick the 1/48 Rafale B from Hobby Boss. I will discuss the
Rafale B aircraft as many reference already have it. For the kit itself, its one
excellent kit to my standard and there are few model maker that create the training
version of the Rafale. Hobby Boss being close to the famous Trumpeter produce a
very good kit (closing in to Hasegawa/Tamiya quality). I purchase this online
via my favorite online store in Hongkong. When the package arrived, I immediately
tore apart the boxes and awe the kit’s boxes, and of course the content of it.
Although some people might dislike the exaggerated recessed lines. However to me
it’s just fine as I don’t need to re-scribe the panel lines.
The
box contained 7 main spure including body, wings etc, 3 pairs of Mica missiles,
one pair of Magic, one pair of Apache, and two pair of external fuels (one 1250
lt and the other 2000 lt). As I’m using the Airforce magazine as reference
there is a Rafale B flying equipped with full armament of one pair of cruise
missile Apache, one pair of Magic in wing tip and one pair of Mica on the
underside pylon. In the picture the aircraft carries 3 external fuels of 2000
liter quite a lot. Problem is it only has two pieces. So I get on to my Revell
Rafale kit and take out the other 2000 liter fuel tanks. Luckily I’ve planned
for the Revel Rafale to be posed without fuel tanks in standing position.
As
usual I’ve constructed the kit from the inside which is the cockpit. As it will be
posed as a flying Rafale B. Then I need two acting pilots, again the
excellent Hasegawa pilots are in. I cut the oxygen hose and moved it to the left side of the
pilot oxygen mask. I painted the pilot figures in the usual olive drab etc.
I put
several seat belts using a reference book. I added a bit of reflective plastic
(holographic effect on the rear seat HUD, front/rear MFD. I didn’t do too much
detailing here as it will be a closed canopy anyway.
The
kit
fits perfectly except in the air intake area where it needs a bit of a stretch
to make it blend with the body. One issue that bothers me is that the kit
doesn’t have an intake trunk. It’s basically hollow inside. Although when
it’s built it won’t be too apparent (too dark without lights toward it).
But
I took the challenge to create a proper air intake trunk. Thus came the resin
(using the F-18E compressor blade component as the master mould, I’ve created
a pair of compressor blade from resin. I used a wide jelly drink straw as an
almost perfect size. I cut it to make the painting easy and glue it while the
aircraft body is still in separate halves.
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images below to see larger images
Done
with the construction, next came the painting, using model master light
ghost gray and dark gray combination to create a pattern one. Initially the
instruction is to use light ghost and dark ghost gray, but learning that the
combination will result in a weaker gradation, I needed something a bit more
striking. Just to look more aggressive. It might not be accurate but I
like the results. Coating is straight forward. Decals were amazingly good with its
thin decal which almost settled into the recessed panel lines, rivets etc, without
much difficulties. I needed to add self made decals for the canopy (the white stripe
in each of the canopy sides). Other than that is out of the box.
As
I made it for a fly by aircraft, I did put some flaps/aileron/horizontal
stabilizer open, to create a more dynamic feel and put it in a steel bent pole and
wooden base. If you want to see more picture and review in Bahasa Indonesia
please visit my personal website www.jetplastik.com
The
Hobby
Boss 1/48 Rafale B kit is one excellent kit at least to my standard. Having just
recently completed the F-18D Hornet from Hasegawa, I could tell that the hobby
boss kit is not a new kit on the block it has all the detail, features, good
things about new generation kit. An excellent value for money especially if
you’re trying to collect some of the rare species of the jets or kits. A
recommended for all the jets lover.
Feel
free to visit my personal website in Bahasa Indonesia www.jetplastik.com
Andy
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images below to see larger images
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