Teknics

1/48 F9F Panther Update Sets For the Trumpeter/Hobbycraft F9F

Reviewed By  Ed Kinney, IPMS# 2898

Ed.Note: Please see Ed's feature article Modeling the Trumpeter F9F with Teknics and Yellowhammer Sets on this website for related information. Man … Talk about Christmas coming early. Just the other morning I opened the mailbox to find a veritable plethora of Panther parts to go with the new Trumpeter/Hobby Craft (they are the same kit) release in 1/48th scale. As we have come to expect from this manufacturer, all resin parts are exquisitely cast without warpage or pinholes, and if you are a Panther Fan as I am, they are a most welcome and necessary addition to the resin stash! F9F 2/3 Corrected Outer Wing Set. This contains both outer wing panels with the kit sink marks removed, the tip tanks cast to the correct size (20% larger than the kit), inboard rib detail that shows when the wings are folded, and fuel dumps cast as separate pieces. Also included are the wing fences that were added to most all aircraft about half way through the Korean War. Item Number: TK48085     MSRP: $ 22.99 F9F 2/3 Corrected Fighter Nose. These are cast to click fit in replacing the kit nose which is too pointy, to the point where nose flash decals can either fit the Trumpeter nose, or "look" right, but not both. Item Number: TK48086     MSRP: $ 14.99 F9F Corrected Cougar Nose Fairing for the AN/ARA-25 UHF Set. Can be applied to the Trumpeter kit, the Teknics fighter nose correction set, the Monogram/Revell F9F-5 Panther, or used on the Fonderie Miniatures F9F-8 Cougar Kit. Item Number: TK48087     MSRP: $ 7.99 XF9F and Early Blue Angels Conversion Set. This contains both outboard wing panels with the tip tanks removed and inboard rib detail that shows when the wings are folded, the smooth style speed boards and both styles of nose pitot tubes. Item Number: TK48088     MSRP: $ 24.99 F9F 2/3 "Down & Dirty" Wing and Flap Set. This correction set includes everything stated above (TK48085), but has a separate set of flaps, lower center wing section and probably most importantly, the leading edges are "drooped", for assembly with the flaps down. Both these wing correction sets can be assembled with the wings extended or in the folded position (added inboard rib detail that shows when the wings are folded). Item Number: TK48089     MSRP: $ 28.99 F9F-2P Corrected Camera Nose. Similar to the above (TM48086), but this has the correctly located camera bays. Includes the cameras and clear cast resin window. Very nicely done. Item Number: TK48090     MSRP: $ 19.99 All these products are truly outstanding and well worth having. And, oh yes, if you've looked at the aft canopy in the kit and as I thought, "this just isn't quite right", it's not. Dave Klaus to the rescue once again, a clear cast resin replacement is in the works as we write, so hang on! It would appear that Meteor Productions has become the definitive source for anyone's Panther parts requirements. If you haven't had the chance to visit his website (www.meteorprod.com), it would be well worth your while to do so. Many thanks to David Klaus of Meteor Products for the review samples. Extremely high recommendations !

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