Three new releases from Hobbyboss hit the local stores in December. A Jackal, a Bearcat & a Growler are the three options on offer. They have finally released the sprue pictures that we have included these into the preview to add to the art, decals & colours of the kits...
Preview: Hobbyboss new items released in December...
The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack version of the F/A-18F. The Growler's flight performance is similar to that of the F/A-18E/F. This attribute enables the Growler to perform escort jamming as well as the traditional standoff jamming mission. Growlers will be able to accompany F/A-18s during all phases of an attack mission.
The colour choices supplied with this kit
The Growler has more than 90% in common with the standard Super Hornet, sharing airframe, Raytheon AN/APG-79 AESA radar and weapon systems such as the AN/AYK-22 Stores Management System. Most of the dedicated airborne electronic attack equipment is mounted in the space that is used to house the internal 20 mm cannon and on the wingtips. Nine weapons stations remain free to provide for additional weapons or jamming pods. The added electronics include AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers on the wingtips and ALQ-99 high and low-band tactical jamming pods. The ALQ-218 combined with the ALQ-99 form a full spectrum electronic warfare suite that is able to provide detection and jamming against all known surface-to-air threats.
The decals supplied with this kit
The EA-18G can be fitted with up to five ALQ-99 jamming pods and will typically add two AIM-120 self-defence missiles and two AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation (HARM) missiles.
The sprues of the kit
- Fuselage & wing with finely engraved panel lines
- Canopy made from clear parts
- Finely detailed cockpit, gear cabin,
- Crew seats with photo-etched seat belts and harnesses.
Model Length: 380.4mm Wingspan: 272.5mm
Total of 18 sprues, lower fuselage and upper fuselage
The kit consists of over 550 parts
BRITISH JACKAL 2 HIGH MOBILITY ARMORED CAR
Model: #84521
1/35th scale
Price: $122 USD From Hobbylink Japan
The British Army has added a new type of vehicle to the armoured force sequence, known as the Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV). In October 2008, a procurement contract for 400 TSV series was signed, valued at US$700 million, including an armour upgrade package. The new TSV series will be used to perform accompanying patrols, as well as transport supplies of ordnance and water.
The colour choices and decals supplied with this kit
An updated version of the Jackal has been ordered as Jackal 2. The crew has been increased to four and the main armament gun ring moved forward to give it an all-round arc of fire. The chassis has been upgraded, allowing the vehicle to carry a greater payload and armour, and providing more strength for protection against roadside bombs. It also has a larger 6.7 l engine, although this does not increase the speed of the vehicle. An initial order for "around 110" vehicles was made in 2009, with final deliveries in February 2010. A further order for 140 of the Jackal 2A was announced on 23 June 2010, which is based on the Jackal 2 platform with a blast protection upgrade.
The sprues of the kit
- Photo-etched parts included
- Rubber/vinyl tires
Total number of 12 sprues and tires
Model Length: 210.1mm / Width: 68.5mm
The kit consists of over 820 parts
- Multi-slide moulded upper hull and lower hull
F8F-1B Bearcat
Model: #87268
1/35th scale
Price: $21 USD From Hobbylink Japan
The F8F Bearcat is a U.S. Navy carrier-capable fighter developed by Grumman. It is a sophisticated, compact and lightweight aircraft equipped with a high-power engine, and is also described as the strongest reciprocating fighter aircraft. However, the Pacific War ended just before its deployment, and after that, fighter aircraft were mostly changed to jet propulsion, so it was never really used in combat.
The colour choices and decals supplied with this kit
This kit from Hobby Boss comes with four 20mm machine guns, and the distinctive form of the F8F-1B is accurately reproduced, with the additional bulge on the upper surface of the main wing.
The sprues of the kit
These new kits are (or should soon be) available from Hobbyboss' Distributors Worldwide...
