This is the first Hasagawa model kit I've built in a long time. I had forgotten the excellent quality of a bit higher-priced kit. The part fit and detailing are really excellent. The simulated fabric surfaces are really well done.
The Modeled Aircraft
The kit comes with decals to build two different Royal Air Force aircraft from the North African campaign. One is from the 213 Squadron, Egypt 1942 and the other is from 84 Squadron, Egypt 1942. While I could find photographs of both of these prototypes, I could not find additional information on the pilots or fates of the aircraft.
Kit Statistics
| Manufacturer: | Hasagawa |
| Scale: | 1/72 |
| Model Number: | 00733 |
| Wingspan (in): | 6.6" (16.8cm) |
| Length (in): | 5.35" (13.6cm) |
| Part Count: | 41 |
Kit Ratings
| Overall Representation of Prototype: | 5 |
| Packaging: | 5 |
| Assembly Instructions: | 3 |
| Painting/Marking Guide: | 5 |
| Decal Quality: | 5 |
| Decal Accuracy: | 5 |
| Casting Quality: | 5 |
| Interior Detail: | 3 |
| Surface Detail: | 4 |
| Component Fit: | 5 |
| Total Score | 45 |
Colors Required
| Dark Earth | Model Master Acryl Leather 4674 |
| Middle Stone | Tamiya Buff XF-57 |
| Flat Black | Tamiya Flat Black XF-1 |
| Azure Blue | Model Master Acryl Sky Type 'S' ASA 610 4840 |
| Red | Polly S (N/A) Signal Red 404091 |
Overall Representation of the Prototype
The model represents the prototype very nicely. The overall lines of the Hurricane are captured nicely, and with the exception of the thickness of the canopy, this is an excellent little model.
Packaging
Packaging is pretty much standard with opaque sprues packaged in a clear plastic bag. Clear parts and decals are packaged in separate bags. The whole kit is then packed in a slide-top box.
Assembly Instructions
The assembly instructions leave something to be desired. The kit includes parts for several variants of the aircraft, but there is no clear identification of which parts are to be used for each of the varients included in the painting and marking guide.
Painting/Marking Guide
The painting guide is in black and white. Colors and markings are clearly and concisely identified.
Decal Quality
The decals are very thin and easily broken, but they adhere easily and conform well to the model contours. The squadron lettering is very nicely done with rounded corners that give them a hand-painted appearance.
Decal Accuracy
Near as I can tell, the decals are very accurate to the prototype markings. Colors are vivid.
Casting Quality
The casting quality is excellent with very little flash. As mentioned before, the canopy is very thick. The aerial masts are molded into the fuselage and great care must be taken not to break them off while filling and prepping the fuselage.
Interior Detail
Interior detailing is very spare, including a seazt, a stick and an instrument panel with a decal to represent instrumentation.
Surface Detail
Panel lines and rivets are engraved. The panel lines are very delicate and do not take a wash easily.
Component Fit
The component fit is excellent. The wings fit well to the fuselage without gapping at the wing roots.
Photos
Below are images of the completed kit:
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