KAI T-50 Golden Eagle - 1:72 Academy Multi Color Parts

[Julien]

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle

1:72 Academy - Multi Color Part

The T-50 Golden Eagle is an indigenous Korean built supersonic advanced trainer which was developed by Korean Aerospace Industries. As such it is the countries first supersonic aircraft. Design follows the F-16 type model and is similar to the Japanese F-2 in shape. Development of the aircraft began back in the late 1990s with a first flight in 2005. The aircraft has developed onto training and fighter versions. It is currently only used by the Korean Air Force, most notably by their Aerobatic Display team. Export orders have been found with the Philippines ordering 12 aircraft. In partnership with Lockheed Martin the aircraft is being offered for the USAF advanced trainer or T-X programme.

The Kit
The reviewer was hoping that as this is billed as a "Multi Color Parts" kit, that it would be the same standard as the recently released F-4J as it would be great to get a new tool T-50 in 1.72 scale, following Academy's excellent 1.48 scale kits. However on opening the box it is evident that this kit is more toy like than model kit. The parts are limited; there is a limited cockpit and no landing gear at all. The model is to be posed on an included stand; however there are no pilots supplied for this "in flight" mode. No decals are included in this release only stickers. The kit is on two sprues of white plastic and two of black plastic; one of these is the stand. The parts feature some nice engraved detail on the outside.

Construction which can all be done without glue starts with an insert for the underside of the top body. Following this the two part ejection seats and instrument panels are added tot he single part cockpit tub. This can then be placed into the lower fuselage half. The two halves can then be joined together.

The tail planes are then added along with the engine exhaust nozzle. The two one part intakes are added and the centre line fuel tank made up and added (this has its own integral pylon). The main one part fin & rudder is added along with the cockpit canopy. This then finishes the aircraft.

A display stand is included as the kit comes with no landing gear. The stand consists of a base, and a moving pivot arm. The top of the arm fits into the kit exhaust.

Decals
There are no decals provided with the kit, only stickers. The F-4J offered both but this kit only offers the stickers. Stickers are provided for on aircraft only.

Conclusion
This will appeal to modellers with younger children. As it is an easy kit with push together parts and stickers it should be fairly easy for them to assemble. It should be pointed out that I suspect in order to conform to EU regulations it is only advertised for sale for 14+, this label covers a Korean label which says not suitable for under 3's. There is scope for modellers to incorporate landing gear etc from another kit but it would be a lot of effort.

Review sample courtesy of
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