Kit: No. 1662
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Academy, distributed by MRC, P.O. Box 6312, Edison, NJ 08818-6312, &732-225-6360
Price: $9
Comments: Injection molded, 47 parts, decals
Pros: Excellent recessed panel lines, good interior, good fit, easy to assemble
Cons: Incomplete details for versions represented
The last major variant of the Texan family was the T-6G, which had simplified canopy framing to improve the pilot’s and student’s visibility. Academy’s new kit has this feature and items that were typical of the LT-6G, armed T-6Gs for light attack and forward air control missions in Korea. These include special radio and navigation antennas, although Academy fails to include rockets and .30 caliber gun packs used by the LT-6G. The direction-finder antenna “football” found on standard T-6 trainer is not included.

Detail oddities aside, Academy’s little Texan provides a great starting point for any Texan. Sharp recessed panel lines highlight the exterior, while the cockpit includes two seats, two control sticks, instrument panels, and detailed side panels with controls. The only options are a choice of antennas and markings for U.S., South Korean, and Israeli aircraft.

Academy’s six-step instructions are easy to follow. Parts fit is good except filling was required on the underside where the wing’s trailing edge meets the fuselage. You can pose the pilot’s canopy open, but the plastic is a little too thick to stack the sliding section properly.

I finished my Texan with SnJ Spray Metal. The decals went on without trouble, but the blue of the insignias is too light. According to Squadron/Signal’s T-6 Texan in Action, the camouflaged Israeli aircraft were Harvard II’s. These typically had extended exhaust shrouds on the right side of the fuselage, but this feature is not included in the kit.

Since the model was easy to assemble and fit well, most of the 12 hours I spent on the model was focused on prepping the surface for the SnJ finish.

I really liked building this model and recommend it to anyone regardless of skill level. The model dimensions are correct, and I’m looking forward to aftermarket conversions for earlier Texans and Harvards.

– David P. Anderson