I started this one a couple of days ago. The last one I built was when it was brand new in 1979. It still has an amazing amount of detail molded in. I’m finishing it as the first option on the Caracal sheet shown. It’s an SNJ-5c from Barin Field, Alabama in the early ‘50s. Students would take the bus over to Barin from Pensacola and do their required qualifications aboard the USS Monterey in the Gulf of Mexico. I just need to source a hook from the spares box and add some Eduard seatbelts.

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Yeah, for anyone who's ever been around a T-6/SNJ, the Monogram kit, with its raised rivets and detail, is the most accurate for overall look. I picked one up at the LHS estate sale last year that had a nice Squadron/Falcon vacuform canopy included, which really helps things to be able to open up the canopy.

You’re right Tom. My uncle owned one for many years and it was the coolest thing I ever got to fly in. That framework looks just like I remember it.

Looking great, my friend @j-healy, cannot wait to see it put together!

More progress. The kit I’m using is what I think is the last issue from 2008. It’s got some flash, but once trimmed and cleaned up, it fits together surprisingly well. The biggest problem area so far is the instrument panels. The molds are worn and the detail is faint. Decals are provided but they’re poorly done. Pixilated and cheap looking. I dry brushed the panels, added crystal clear lenses and called it a day. Luckily, they’re pretty deeply positioned under the cowlings.

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Thanks Spiros. I’m glad I bought 3 of these when they were available and on sale at the late, great Squadron. The parts are marked China, not Morton Grove anymore. I hope either Revell or Atlantis still have the molds for this because it’s a worthy kit.

Looking good @j-healy. That cockpit looks exactly like what I was sitting in last July 4th.

@lgardner - the red "racer" kit has the exhausts for a Canadian Harvard. which gives you some additional options. It also has the later canopy with the "less-framed" option.

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I agree, George. Monogram had a knack for molding in tons of detail on a minimal number of parts. As far as fit goes, I thought most were decent. Unless of course you got a warped one, which was somewhat common. They popped them out of the molds too fast sometimes. The B-26 was bad in that respect, as was the F-106 and F-102 with those huge wings.