Hasegawa ™ Kawasaki T-4 ' J.A.S.D.F.'

Kit No. Pt 17 Catalogue 07217

'In Box' review by Dale Smith.

Review, images and text copyright © 2000 by Dale Smith

The Kawasaki T-4 is a twin engined jet trainer used by the Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF). The aircraft is of all Japanese manufacture and design, powered by two Ishikawashima Harima Heavy Industries XF-3 engines that each develops 1.6 tons of thrust, that gives the aircraft performance and maneuverability on a par with the F-15, thereby supplying perfect experience before the trainee pilot moves on to the F-15 DJ and the F-2B

The Kit

Molded in Hasegawas familiar gray styrene, as you would expect there is was no major flash or sink marks on any of the parts. I did notice some small sink marks on parts A3 and B2. Only minor, but they are there and will need some slight filling. Construction begins with the ejection seats, which look well detailed and would benefit from the fitting of some seat straps from foil or the like. Note that the front ejection seat has the canopy breaker fitting fitted to the top of the seat (Part J6).The cockpit tub is then constructed. Detail on the side and instrument panels is of the raised variety with the option available of using the decals supplied or hand painting and highlighting them yourself. 2 pilot figures are also supplied and are well detailed. Engine intake and rear nozzle assemblies are then constructed and fitted to the fuselage halves which are then joined , sandwiching the cockpit tub inside. Wing assemblies and the drop tanks are then constructed, with the option of having the wing flaps either raised or lowered. Final construction assemblies of the undercarriage are then assembled and added as required. The clear parts are supplied in a separate bag (Good one Hasegawa.!!) and the canopy has the standard center seam from the mold halves that will require removal with a sanding stick or the like. Painting instructions are called out during construction with reference to both Mr Colour and the Gunze Sangyo Aqueous Hobby Colour range. Markings are supplied for no less than 24 different training and HQ squadrons in the standard air superiority Light Grey scheme.

Conclusion

Good one Hasegawa.!! With very little work, a competition winner could be built from this kit , with a very good result being able to be achieved even by the novice, new to the hobby. To any modeler of modern era aircraft this kit is a must. OK, now if only this company could put together a nice Hawk or L 39 trainer. Highly recommended to all.