Special Hobby 1/72 scale TR-1A (Lockheed U-2R)

Manufacturer: Special Hobby (MPM), Mezilesi 718, 193 00 Prague 9, Czech Republic,
www.mpm.cz
Kit: No. 72024 Scale: 1/72
Price: $36.00
Comments: Injection-molded, 81 parts (48 resin, 2 vacuum-formed canopies), decals
Pros: Accurate outlines, fine recessed panel lines, excellent resin details, good canopy, good decals
Cons: Difficult fit, no assembly aids (slots, tabs, etc.), trailing edges too thick for the scale

Lockheed's famous U-2 was redesigned and enlarged in the 1970s, and new production versions were designated TR-1A (for tactical reconnaissance). Several TR-1As served in the Gulf War, and they have been instrumental in more recent conflicts. The TR-1A designator was changed to U-2R late in 1991.

Special Hobby's injection-molded parts have fine recessed panel lines and a little flash on mold-parting seams. Most of the detail parts are molded in beige resin. Two vacuum-formed canopies (one is a spare) are beautifully molded. The kit instruction sheet is a clear 12-step, 8-page document that includes a parts map, assembly instructions, and marking and painting guides. Decals are provided for three overall-black TR-1As.

Although the assembly sequence is straightforward, the techniques needed to join the parts require experience. You'll spend a lot of time test fitting, filling, and sanding the major components. Due to the molding process used, most of the large plastic parts are too thick for the scale.

There were no tabs, slots, or indexing pins on the large assemblies, so care was needed when attaching the wings and stabilizers to the fuselage. Test-fitting and sanding helped improve the fit of each joint, but I relied on gap-filling super glue to lock the parts in place and fill seams.

The resin cockpit and wheel wells were excellent, but they didn't fit without grinding down the thick plastic inside the fuselage halves. I also sanded down the insides of each wing half to reduce thickness.

Adding the "super pods" to the wings was also tricky. There were no indicators on the wings for positioning the pods, so references came in handy. Probably the best is World Air Power Journal Volume 28. I needed references to figure out the locations of the horizontal stabilizers, too.

Fitting the canopy wasn't difficult, but it's a good idea to cut it out of its form with sharp cuticle scissors. Cut wide and sand down the edges to fit onto the fuselage.

Just before I painted the model I attached all of the small resin detail parts except the "pogo" outrigger wheels. They are easily broken, even after painting.

I primed the model with flat black, then applied gloss black. After the paint dried for 24 hours, I applied the decals. My sample sheet was a tiny bit off register. The red markings were printed over white to help keep them bright on the black model, but the white peeked out around one side of each marking. The decals went on fine with Micro Sol. When they were dry, I sprayed on a light coat of Testor Dullcote.

Special Hobby's "dragon lady" compares well with the photos in my references. Modelers of 1/72 scale aircraft should be prepared to spend extra time and effort to make the most of this kit. I spent 30 hours on mine, most of that time improving the fit.