Kinetic | 1/32 Hawk 100 Series

Reviewed by Eric Galliers

I thought I would do a quick workbench review of the new Kinetic Hawk as there doesn't seem to be too many pictures around the net about this new 1/32 scale model.

The model comes in a sturdy top opening and sealed box. All sprues are well wrapped in a cellophane like wrapper, and there is plenty of room to put some aftermarket parts when the time comes.

Upon initial inspection, the model features nicely engraved and appropriately raised detail, but I think that the surface of the plastic has a fairly pronounced grain to it which will require some sanding to smooth out.

The wings feature moulded-on vortex generators. The kit allows the modeller to choose the option of flaps up or down.

The cockpit tub has some nicely done details and I am sure that it will build up nicely out of the box. The seats look a little basic, but there is a fairly comprehensive photo etch sheet to compliment them that feature the belts and other details. The instrument panels are similarly well detailed and will benefit from additional detail. The kit has some basic side wall detail on the insides of the fuselage halves to finish off the cockpit.

Here is the photo etch sheet that contains the seatbelts, heads up display frame, some fine vents and other details.

Among the limited armament options, there is a pair of nicely done sidewinders, and also a large central drop tank. A noticeable omission from the kit however is the lack of wing pylons, which limits the amount of underwing options that I am sure a lot of Hawk devotees will seek to add to the model.

The undercarriage legs are single piece and look solid enough to cope with the weight of the model.

The clear sprue is crisp and the parts are nicely done, although there is a very slight texture to each part that may benefit from a polish. The inside of the main canopy has the detonator cord moulded on which may prove difficult to detail.

The decal sheet is very well executed, and looks to be in register. There are five marking options in the kit, being one Canadian, one British, a BAe demonstrator and TWO Australian aircraft. The decal sheet also has some excellent stencil data.

I am sure that the release of this kit will be a very welcome addition to the collection of many modellers that wished Revell had come out with the 100 series airframe instead of the Red arrows version. Hopefully there will be some aftermarket options released soon so that there will be some wing pylons available. I believe that the kit represents excellent value for its price ($39.99 US) and the level of detail will satisfy those that expect to not have to do too much work to a kit but still look the part.

© 2013 Eric Galliers

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This review was published on Thursday, January 24 2013; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016