1:48 Sea Hurricane Mk IIc

Arma Hobby has not yet said its last word on the subject of 48th scale Hawker Hurricane Mk II kits. After several boxings of “b” and “c” versions, now comes the naval type. Let’s check it out.

Disclaimer

The review sample was kindly provided by the manufacturer. Thanks, Arma Hobby.

Overview

The set in question, with catalogue number 40009, catches the eye with an attractive illustration on the front of the box.

Inside, as typical of the larger kits from this manufacturer, the package is reinforced by a cardboard insert.

It contains the important stuff – three injection moulded sprues made of grey plastic, a transparent one, 3D resin print, self-adhesive masks, decals and assembly manual.

Most of it look quite familiar…

Plastics

For a simple reason – the kit in question is actually a Hurricane IIc with a printed resin conversion added, to facilitate the construction of a naval variant. All the injection moulded sprues, both grey and clear, are already pretty well known by now.

Please refer to the review of the initial “Hurricane Mk IIc” release, for a thorough inspection of the plastic parts.

Resin prints

The clou of this set is the extra cardboard package that you will find in the box.

It shelters a substantial resin print of a dark grey colour.

This is how not only the parts necessary for the construction of the naval version (i.e. the lower fuselage section with landing hook), but also a few bonuses (seat with straps, gun barrels and exhausts) were prepared.

3D printed resin parts, render (Arma Hobby)

Converting the model comes down to swapping the relevant plastic part for a resin one. And that's it. Unlike the previously released, smaller (1:72) Sea Hurricanes from Arma Hobby, there's no need to cut the fuselage halves.

Unfortunately, the bundle I found in my kit is far from perfect. While the naval section of the fuselage looks quite OK, the lower part of the print, with additional details, is badly scarred on one side.

There are some rather distinct print artifacts visible on the back of the seat, and the cannon tips disappoint with a barely hinted exit holes (especially when there are exhausts with nicely marked edges right next to them).

Comparing resin barrels with their plastic counterparts only adds to the confusion.

Definitely not the best print I have seen in the AH kits. What’s more, the corresponding details added to the “Jubilee” special edition (see review) look much better.

Masks

Inside the box you will also find a sheet of self-adhesive masks, known from the earlier Hurricanes of this manufacturer.

It will be useful for both painting the cockpit frames and the landing gear wheels.

Decals

The markings prepared in the form of decals are, as always, the result of cooperation with Techmod company.

Which means a high quality print with not much to complain about.

Stencils and instrument panel look nice and clear.

Seatbelts, if one likes them in this form, are there too.

Manual

The booklet with step-by-step build guide is typical for AH. Clear and easy-to-follow assembly drawings sprinkled here and there with additional comments.

Suggested paints listed in a table.

Paint schemes, as usual in colour, with decal placement key.

This is supplemented by a small erratum slip pointing out the correct emblem of the Royal Navy's white aircraft.

This is because new information about this machine reached the manufacturer after the manual had already been printed. Luckily, there was still time to make changes in the design of the decals.

1:72 bonus

It is worth mentioning at this point, that the revised emblem is also printed on the decal sheet in 1:72 scale size.

Smaller Sea Hurricanes Mk IIc, released last year by Arma Hobby, can be corrected too. Cool.

Painting options

With included decals, one can make a miniature in one of three finishes, all hinted on the back of the box.

Sea Hurricane Mk IIc, NF672 “7K” – 835 Squadron, HMS Nairana, pilot Sub Lt. A.R. Burgham, June 1944.

Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)

Sea Hurricane Mk X, AM277 – 804 Squadron, HMS Dasher, operation Torch, late 1942.

Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)

Sea Hurricane Mk IIc, JS310 “S” – 825 Squadron, HMS Vindex, early 1944.

Kit painting option (Arma Hobby)

A small selection perhaps, but relatively varied.

Summary

This kit is another interesting option for modellers wishing to build a miniature of Hawker Hurricane in 1:48 scale. Fuselage parts breakdown makes the resin conversion easy to apply, without unnecessary fuss. It is just a pity that the remaining printed details are visibly lacking in quality compared to what this manufacturer has already accustomed us to.

Nevertheless, a kit well worth consideration.

I like it.

MMXXIV