Review: HK Models DB-7/Boston Mk III
This kit was waiting for me last night on my doorstep, all the way from BNA in Australia.
Decals are by Cartograph. Two marking options are provided: 88 Sqn Boston or an OD/NG plane from the 15th BS.
As the following photos show there is a lot of detail packed in this new tool kit. Tunnel gun and option of a single .30 or twin .303s. Bombardier hatch in nose can be posed open. Pilot's canopy has two side windows that can be opened, the gunner's hatch can be posed open or closed. PE fret has seatbelts and screens for intakes on sides of cowlings. Cheek guns and flame dampers are included in kit along with four MC250 bombs.
Mine came with metal nose weights and metal landing gear. Along with a print of the box art.
Strangely though no life raft is provided in the kit which is a bit odd because that will leave a big empty behind the pilot's seat if you pose the hatch open. Those with the True Details resin wheels and life-raft for the AMT kit will be in luck until a new set is released.
Overall this kit looks really good.
Since there are no more shipments here direct from China (and the DeMinimus "Less that $800" being duty-free is gone (the only part of the recent deal that kept a tariff of 120% according to the news release), what's the address for BNA? A third country's going to be the only way to get this kit for those of us here - and if it's scaled down from the 1/32 kit, it's going to be great, as your photos demonstrate.
Well, as it turns out, that kit is out of stock, but the HK Dambuster Lancaster was only $80, plus $21 shipping - a Serious Bargain!
Tom, it seems you found the address to BNA. I'm in the US and have ordered from them several times and they provide great service.
Thanks for the review, David!
Glad you liked it Spiros @fiveten.
Now to find room in the queue to build it.
Tom @tcinla
Glad you got your Dambuster, sorry about the Boston. Whatever stock BNA had sold out within a day of arrival. By the time I got the email notifying mine had shipped on 7 May BNA was already sold out.
Been rummaging around the Internet since I learned about this kit. Which lead me to the 15th BS and the first 8th Bomber Command mission against Europe on 4 July 1942. Six American crews in borrowed 226 Sqn Bostons joined with 6 RAF crewed 226 Sqn Bostons to attack four airfields in the Netherlands.
The 15th BS aircraft in this kit is AL445 which was transferred from RAF stocks to the US. The airplane did not participate in the 4 July raid but would go with the unit to North Africa and see combat there. Z2213 of 88 Sqn participated on Ramrod 37 to attack La Havre, no RAF aircraft were lost on this mission though Fw 190s did tangle with escorting 306 Sqn fighters.
@tcinla, @kahu, I just picked one of these up for 30% off or A$105/US$68 at my local hobby shop. It is relocating (closing) to their warehouse. They will still have the city store.
That will be a bit further to travel…
Sorry to hear about the store but that is a good deal on the kit.
We should be seeing Eduard aftermarket for the Boston next month.
Metro Hobbies in Australia has them on special for $119. I just ordered mine today and it's in the mail.