Freightdog Tandem FAA Hunter (inbox review and thanks)

[Weaver]

Freightdog have a new set: a Fleet Air Arm version of the tandem-seat Hunter. It's gorgeous, but it isn't out yet (probably November).

So how do I know? Well that would because one arrived in the post today, complete with an appropriate Xtradecal sheet! Colin had seen the fact that I'm going through a bit of a rough patch and sent me one a present to cheer me up. I'm kinda stunned at his generosity: thank you very much Colin, you're a star.

The set is basically similar to the P.1101 tandem Hunter set, with a new, two-piece front fuselage, cockpit tub, two lovely bang seats, an extra joystick and replacement wheels. However the FAA version has a choice of THREE noses, plus the associated small parts. I'm doing a bit of educated guesswork here, since the instructions havn't been printed yet, but I think the three noses are:

Ogive with a cannon trough, i.e. same at the P.1101.
Ogive with a FRADU light in the tip.
Pointed radome with a pitot tube above it. I presume this is the tandem equivalent of a T.8M, i.e. a radar-trainer for Sea Harrier pilots.

An extra moulding block (this is all resin, of course) has an arrestor hook (used on some ADTU T.8s), the radar-nose pitot tube, and a small bump which I can't quite christen (yet). There are also two vac-form canopies.

The Xtradecal sheet is no.X72123 providing schemes for 19 Hunter trainers of the RAF, FAA, RAE (Raspberry Ripple), Indian, Singaporean, Swiss and Danish air forces.

The moulding quality is first rate, with the forward fuselage halves being as thin as injection ones and the detail on the control panels and ejection seats being outstanding. I intend to get back to my Prototypes GB build shortly, then after that, this one goes to the top of the pile. I'm not sure which version to build yet. The only complete FAA scheme on the sheet is an early '70s hooked ADTU one in high-speed silver and dayglo, but mixing it's markings with other serials on the sheet could easily produce an overall DSG T.8M which appeals to me.


Once again, thank you to Colin. I'm still bowled over by this to be honest.

Go look at Freightdog's website. A lot of his conversion sets are very affordable and if you do decide to splash out, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

https://www.freightdogmodels.co.uk/

[PR19_Kit]

I'm kinda stunned at his generosity: thank you very much Colin, you're a star.

'Cos he is one, specially for us Whiffers. 

and a small bump which I can't quite christen (yet).

Perhaps for the T12? The only RW one had a small bump right on the nose IIRC.

[kitbasher]

When there's a ton of gloom and doom around, up pops a good news story.

Weaver - enjoy (I've a P1101 set, it's excellent). 

Colin - top feller.

[Freightdog862]

Your most welcome Harold, thanks for the review (I wasn't expected that!). The small bump is the tail bumper that goes behind the tail hook I think, and you are spot on with the three noses.

Thanks, Colin 

[chrisonord]

Absolutely brilliant,so glad to hear that a smile has been put on your face H. Colin I think you should change your company name to above and beyond models  what a top man.
Chris

[Weaver]

Your most welcome Harold, thanks for the review (I wasn't expected that!). The small bump is the tail bumper that goes behind the tail hook I think, and you are spot on with the three noses.

Thanks, Colin

You're welcome - least I could do.

Yes I see what you mean about the bump now. It looks like some aircraft had it and some didn't (including the one on the decal sheet) and Sod's Law: I seem to have only looked at examples of the latter.

[Howard of Effingham]

You deserve it Weaver and Mr Strachan has been keeping us whiffers happy for years.

Colin might recall the Sea Harrier F/A.2 under fuselage pylons saga? 

[NARSES2]

I wonder how many a certain Mr McEvoy has on order ? 

Nice one Colin 

[Weaver]

I wonder how many a certain Mr McEvoy has on order ? 

Nice one Colin 

A certain Mr McEvoy is the other recipient of an early example:

http://grumpyoldmodeller.com/vaultswords.html

[NARSES2]

I noted that after I'd replied 

[Rolead]

Hi Colin, do you have a release date for this ?

Regards
Robert

[Freightdog862]

Hi Colin, do you have a release date for this ?

Regards
Robert

Hi Robert, it should be one of my virtual SMW releases in November.

Thanks

Colin

[Army of One]

Ooh......I've always been tempted to try something different.....an a tandem hunter may be it..... 👍
Heard nothing bad about any of your products......

[chrisonord]

Ooh......I've always been tempted to try something different.....an a tandem hunter may be it..... 👍
Heard nothing bad about any of your products......

I have one waiting to be  done  H, very nice bit of kit you  will need the Revell hunter  as a donor kit.

[Army of One]

Ooh......I've always been tempted to try something different.....an a tandem hunter may be it..... 👍
Heard nothing bad about any of your products......

I have one waiting to be  done  H, very nice bit of kit you  will need the Revell hunter  as a donor kit.

I have a few different hunters....I take it it is based on the Revell one then....