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Meteor Productions Kit Number CEC48500 1/48 PB4Y-2 Privateer Conversion Set |
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First Look By Ed Kinney, #2989 |
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MSRP: $239.99 USD Somehow, the word “overwhelmed” doesn’t get it done. Just the sheer weight of the box along is enough to convey that this is one major, “big mother” conversion kit. The images show the extent of cast metal, resin and clear cast parts to be extensive to say the least, but what they don’t show is the true quality of what’s all included. So far, I have yet to discover a single pin hole, warped surface or other flaw so often found discrepancies in other manufacturer’s offerings. (This is very definitely consistent with other Meteor subjects I’ve been fortunate enough to have included in my personal resin stash.) They seem to have this casting process down cold. A full set of detailed written and photo instructions is included, but in this case with a warning… "DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS CONVERSION UNLESS YOU ARE AN ADVANCED MODELER". I believe, after having a first hand look, that this is sage advice. Don’t misunderstand, it’s not that this is an impossible task, but previous experience is almost a must in working with resin parts. The old adage “measure 4 times, cut once” springs to mind. Also included are decal markings for 2 Privateers, one from the French Aeronavale, Flotile 28F, serving in Viet Nam (Dien Bien Phu, 1954) and a USN Bird of VPB-121 (Eniwetok Island, 1945). Further, Black Magic pre-cut masks are also included for clear parts and wheel hubs. This conversion uses some of the Revell Monogram kit parts in addition to the parts supplied, but these are minimal. The main and nose landing gear are metal, and with the projected weight of this monster, I’d guess it was a necessity. Due to the size of this undertaking, it is destined to be a multiple part review over the next few months. Teasers will appear on the website, but for the full details, you’ll have to look to the IPMS/USA Journal, which will take this to its conclusion. I must admit that I’ve been looking forward to this project for quite sometime now. I’d be amiss if I didn’t extend a huge “thank you” to Ken Patterson and Amers Hobby shop in Boardman Ohio, as well as IPMS/USA for assisting in obtaining this review sample. (Actually, not only Amers participated, but IPMS/USA and I formed a “co-op” in order to get this one to the workbench.) A full build article will follow. |
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