SPA Modeler

Did it come with a pilot figure? That seems to the copout for a lot of kit manufacturers

I don’t think that I’ve seen a new tool, non re issue, kit come with a seated pilot figure since the mid to late 90’s. At least not in 1/48.

This one actually did have a pilot figure. I'm not a fan of pilots that come with the kits. They usually look like lumps of plastic.

I always like the Monogram jet pilots. They come in proper period appropriate flight suits, gear, and helmets. And with a bit of animation in the posing, looking off to one side or another.

Stikpusher wrote:I don’t think that I’ve seen a new tool, non re issue, kit come with a seated pilot figure since the mid to late 90’s. At least not in 1/48.

I think the F-14 and P-38 kits I have have got them in...

Now that you mention it, yes. I think that Tamiya is the only one currently offering seated pilot figures with their new kits. They have a couple shown with their new F-4B Phantom. Yay Tamiya!

Airfix do as well., I think, I'm not sure about their new 1/48 kits actually, especially the jets. but the ones in the Tamiya box look aces - I'll certainly adding mine!

My only gripe of the Tamiya pilots, at least most of them, is that they are molded with their hands in their laps, and looking straight ahead. The Monogram pilots are usually molded with a positionable arm for the stick, one molded fixed in something appropriate for working the throttle, and often with the head looking to one side.

Reedoak makes some awesome resin pilots that actually fit in the kit.

Stikpusher wrote:My only gripe of the Tamiya pilots, at least most of them, is that they are molded with their hands in their laps, and looking straight ahead. The Monogram pilots are usually molded with a positionable arm for the stick, one molded fixed in something appropriate for working the throttle, and often with the head looking to one side.

Yeah, that's pretty crap when they're like that. I'm going to fit the ones that came with my F.3, they're not great but at least they have posable arms.

Medicman71 wrote:Reedoak makes some awesome resin pilots that actually fit in the kit.

That might be worth a look.