The Little World

The cockpit tub and landing gear platform of this American shipboard fighter are evidence that the Czech kit makers believe in free will. No part of the fuselage compels the struts and legs to be where they should be – they must do it of their own accord.

This was probably sound philosophy during the Enlightenment, but makes the business of assembling a 1:72 kit somewhat of an iffy proposition. I do not normally wish to be forced to things against my will, but in this case I would welcome some indication of what Grumman actually did.

The instructions are clear. Not detailed, not helpful, but clear. I am to be left to my own devices. Wherever the parts touch they may be cemented and if I am wielding the tube then all responsibility devolves to me.

I do appreciate better cockpits than we used to get in old Airfix and Matchbox kits; a couple of lateral pegs that skewered the hapless plastic pilot. I approve of assemblies that do not need too many PE parts.

However, when the sub-assembly is complete, I want it to have some sort of ledge or bracket upon which to sit – just to reassure me that it will not break loose and rattle down to the tail when I have finished the model.