Naval Hurricane

Arma Hobby released a bunch of Hawker Hurricane variants so far, all 1:72. Mk.I, IIb, IIc – but no Sea Hurricane in any shape or form. However there is a set which scratch that itch a bit – “Hurricane Mk I Navy Colours”. Let’s check It out.

The Box

Kit with catalogue number 70022 is packed in a standard, side opening box with a nice and simple illustration on the top.

Inside we find one (although split into two parts) light grey plastic sprue, a transparent one, decals and of course instruction booklet.

Main plastic elements are known from the previously released “Expert Set”, which I also covered here some time ago (see review). Possible side effect – déjà vu during further reading.

Plastic

The fuselage has been conventionally split into halves, with subtly represented fabric sections and quite delicate panel lines.

You can spot some milling process traces here and there, which are absent on newer AH releases.

As you can see, kit designer opted for a completely separate vertical stabilizer part, which can be found on the “small sprue” together with the integrated rudder (which has delicately reproduced fabric sagging).

Horizontal stabiliser has been engineered as one element and appropriate control surfaces are separated. By the way – you can also spot on the following photo a rather poorly looking exhausts.

Wing is divided into two main sections. Upper surfaces – connected by the ceiling of the main landing gear bay, which serves also as the base for the cabin floor.

And the lower portion with an adequate cut-out for the above-mentioned bay. In both cases we get elements covered with raised and recessed details, and control surfaces indicated by thicker panel lines (although little inconsistently). It is also worth mentioning that the wings trailing edges are really thin.

Mentioned earlier main landing gear bay consists of a ceiling (no photo-etched enhancement in this edition of course).

And separately provided walls.

Assembling the entire structure will probably be easier thanks to the internal surface of the lower wing part.

Main wheels make a good first impression – quite nice for a plastic ones.

"DUNLOP" inscription on both sides of the tires can be noticed.

Wheel bay covers also look quite bearable, although the plastic parts will never be thin enough.

All looks quite well, it's just a shame that we come across sink marks so often. Like here – a gas tank from the landing gear bay.

On the second to last picture you can also spot propellers bases, onto which individual blades (two version provided) should be glued. Correct positioning of those is ensured by fixing pins.

The propeller can be covered with one of three spinners. We get the possibility of making both de Havilland and Rotol propellers, the latter also with a cone adapted from Spitfire.

On the same sprue (right next to the blades) you can find a radiator, which on one side looks OK.

But on the other one is rather disappointing due to the dreadful sinkmark.

Individuals of a more contradictory disposition can build miniature of a tropical Hurricane. Because why not?

The cockpit interior is quite nicely detailed for this scale. Some bits and pieces are visible on the inside of the fuselage halves.

Injection-moulded truss portion doesn’t look bad at all, considering the material.

Floor and rear, armoured wall of the cockpit also looks nice.

Pilot seat can be found on the "small sprue" and is quite tolerable for the plastic one.

Instruments panel is unfortunately one of the parts deformed by sinkmarks.

Rudder bar is actually well cast, but such plastic elements will always look too clumsy in this scale.

By the way – on the last photo you can also see the separated elevator, which I mentioned somewhere at the beginning of this overview.

Transparencies revisited

All of the small Hurricanes from AH currently available in shops (unless you happen to come across some old stock) include new, slightly tweaked clear frame – a result of the original mould being damaged and a new one having to be developed.

Using the opportunity, the canopy (which in my opinion was the weakest point of the Hurricane kits issued so far) was slimmed down a bit. Still not a top notch, but the improvement is evident. Both in terms of elements thickness and the transparency.

Unfortunately the presence of improved transparencies is not indicated on the box in any way. Although it does not matter much when buying new stock kits, it is worth bearing in mind when looking at second-hand offerings.

Decals

Well known Techmod was responsible for printing the decals included in the kit. The rather average in size sheet makes a very good first impression.

Persistent staring doesn’t reveal any colour shifts or similar printing errors.

Stencils looks very nice – clear and readable.

Yellow propeller blade tips and seatbelts included here, might be appreciated by beginners.

Manual

Arma Hobby has made us accustomed to aesthetic and clear brochures guiding through the construction process. It is no different this time.

List of suggested paints contains only positions from Hataka palette. Rather objectionable practice, now fortunately abandon by this manufacturer.

Available painting options are traditionally shown on colour views, which also contain information about the proper location of the decals.

They also reveal that one of the suggested machines features a different propeller type, which was apparently omitted in the assembly guide.

Painting options

True to the set's title, we are provided with markings for three Hurricanes of a more or less naval nature. We can make a W-2D machine from the FAA's 760 Squadron, notable for its mismatched engine fairing.

Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)

A different, heavily worn airframe of the same origin with W-8E designation.

Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)

And a rarity – Sea Hurricane Mk.Ia with a Polish chequerboard, handed over to 318 Squadron after CAM ship service.

Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)

Quite interesting selection for such a limited theme, if you ask me.

Conclusion

There is no denying that the kit in question is no match for the new Arma Hobby releases. Especially the “PE free” edition, in which we have to deal with all the kit flaws (instrument panel, radiator) by ourselves.

That being said, I think this is a pretty decent starting point for building an unique Hurricane in my favourite scale.

MMXXI