Hurricane Mk IIa/b/c
“Eastern Front” is yet another double set from Arma Hobby, this time revolving around a 1:72 scale model of the Hawker Hurricane Mk II. Let's take a look.
Disclaimer
The review sample was kindly provided by the manufacturer. Thanks, Arma Hobby.
Overwiev
The set (catalogue number 70045), is packed in a standard, side-opening box with an aesthetic illustration on the front.
As we are dealing with a two-pack, the whole thing is a bit larger than usual and the package is reinforced by a cardboard insert.
It holds two sets of Hurricane Mk II sprues, 3D printed details for both models, two sets of self-adhesive masks, a decal sheet and a manual.
For the most part, elements known from previous AH kits.
Plastics
Each of the two sets of sprues included in the box can be turned into one of three Hawker Hurricane Mk II versions. Building the “c” variant, you need only the parts from the sprue with fuselage halves. “B” requires the use of wing and some other parts from the second sprue. Add to that some minor tweaks and you have Mk IIa. The same transparencies are used in all cases, of course.
Since all the mentioned sprues were already reviewed here, I see no point in repeating myself. Please refer to the relevant article for a thorough inspection of the plastic parts.
Resin prints
“Eastern Front” comes with a portion of 3D printed resin details, just like the previous two-packs from this manufacturer (e.g. “Cactus Air Force”).
These give us less room for manoeuvre when it comes to choosing the version to build – for example, two miniatures with the same type of resin exhausts are a no-go.
The print is supplemented by the additional instruction sheet explaining what goes where.
For those less obvious elements, anyway.
Masks
Two sets of sef-adhesive masks, known from the earlier AH releases, are also included.
These 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.
Two sets provided, of course.
Manual
Booklet with the step-by-step build guide is typical for AH. Clear and easy-to-follow assembly drawings sprinkled here and there with additional comments.
The latter, due to the multitude of possible versions and the addition of 3D printed details, are far more abundant then usual.
Suggested paints listed in a table.
Paint schemes printed in colour.
With decal placement key.
Painting options
“Eastern Front” comes with seven markings variants, hinted on the back of the box.
Hurricane Mk IIb, BM959/60. Karelian Front Air Force, 609th Fighter Aviation Regiment, USSR, April 1942.
Hurricane Mk IIa, Z2585/42. Karelian Front Air Force, 152nd Fighter Aviation Regiment, USSR, February 1942.
Hurricane Mk IIc, KX452/64. Northern Fleet Air Force, 78th Fighter Aviation Regiment, USSR, March 1943.
Hurricane Mk IIb, Z5548/48. Soviet Air Force. Unit unknown, probably 26th Fighter Aviation Regiment. USSR, Winter 1941/1942.
Hurricane Mk IIb, Z4017/FU-56. 81 Squadron RAF, Flight B. Operation „Benedict”. Pilot P/O Richard Edward Bush. Vaenga, USSR, October 1941.
Hurricane Mk IIb, Baltic Fleet Air Force, 3rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment. Pilot: Cpt. G. D. Kostyliev, Sinyavino, USSR, Autumn 1942.
Hurricane Mk IIb, Z5236/GO-31. 134 Squadron RAF. Operation „Benedict”. Vaenga, USSR, October 1941.
The decal sheet also contains a bonus – side numbers for the Finnish machine, which colour profiles can be found on an additional instruction card. But only the side numbers. The Finnish insignia, whatever they look like, must be obtained from another source.
So let's just say that there are seven and a half options.
Summary
“Eastern Front” is another thematic two-pack released by Arma Hobby. As it is based on the sprues known from the earlier sets, some may say that it’s just more of the same. However, the multitude of variants that can be built straight from the box, the large selection of interesting markings and, last but not least, the additional resin details make it, in my opinion, a really interesting option for 72nd scale oriented modellers. Unless, of course, they are completely fed up with Hurricanes…
I like it.