Kinetic's release introduced a plastic injection moulded Tracker for the first time in 1/48th scale. The S-2E/G Tracker was the first to be issued in 2011, followed a few years later by the Short "A" version. (The version us Canadians were waiting for) This 1/48th Kinetic CS2F (S-2A) Tracker has nice surface details and options to get you well on your way to a good looking Stoof build.
Notable Kit Features:
Finely recessed panel lines and nice raised details overall
Sparse (maybe adequately) detailed cockpit
Starboard crew entry door may be positioned open
Extendable ventral radome and MAD boom
Wings can be built folded or extended
Nicely detailed landing gear with separate wheel hubs
Weapons bay doors may be open or closed
2 x torpedoes & 6 x rocket pods included
Nice decal sheet with USN, RCN and Japanese Navy marking included
Build Inspiration:
The CS2F-1 Tracker entered Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) service with VS 881 Squadron in February 1957. The first Tracker to come aboard HMCS Bonaventure with VS 880 squadron, arrived in October of that same year. An updated version, the Mark 2 with its improved AN/APN-502 search radar, new tactical equipment such as dispensers for the PDCs (Practice Depth Charges) used in EER (Explosive Echo Ranging) , a sonobuoy homer and a new autopilot, arrived on the scene in 1960.
This CS2F-2 version looked almost identical to its forerunner on the exterior. Fifty-seven were built by de Havilland Canada (1544 to 1600). As they were taken on strength, they gradually replaced the older CS2F-1's . So, yeah, I was happy another RCN 1/48th scale aircraft got added to the collection (still patiently waiting on the Banshee.)
Heads-Up Report:
Instructions are vague in a number of places & the paint reference list is incomplete
Some pin ejector marks will require clean-up
Some (but not much) filler required at parts join in fuselage and nacelles
Overhead instrument console is difficult to fit (as it overhangs canopy at rear)
No Searchlight details inside (rather thick) glass
Center console between the pilot/co-pilot not moulded (other details missing however I don't want to nit-pick)
No windscreen wipers
No indication in instructions for drill outs that need to be done to fit parts later (such as side scoops & antennas)
I needed to notch the aft floor (behind cockpit) in order to fit it around some fuselage join pins
Not sure where you could put enough weight to hold this one down on the front gear (without overstressing the landing gear)
Fit of the weapons bay doors required work with styrene card and filler
Weapons bay is relatively bare (if you are building it open - consider adding detail)
There was a gap around the ventral radome which seemed excessive
Leading edge slats are separate however all other control surfaces and flaps are all moulded closed/neutral
Check references to see what antennas go where on the version you are making (as there were different configurations)
I believe I installed the nacelles swapping left for right so watch this detail when attaching them (I was too committed with glue to switch them back around)
The landing light on the port wing is not depicted
Engine exhaust pipes are missing
Search-light to wing fit required trimming, sanding and filler
Wing fit at trailing edge resulted in a step that needed to be sanded out
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Added seatbelts
Trimmed rear bulkhead to fit overhead instrument console
Scratch built search light interior (as it is quite visible and nothing is provided)
Used Styrene card and filler to close the gaps in the weapons bay doors
Used "sprue-goo" to make the diameter of the radome opening slightly less for a better parts fit
Thinned down the resonance arm on the port horizontal stabilizer
Drilled out unused SSQ-1 Sonobuoys (not deployed in RCN) Also had to file off the upper interior lip area in the nacelle so as not to show this ridge after drill outs
Scratch built exhaust pipes from brass tube and drilled out nacelles to fit in place
Added small hole in outer starboard nacelle just around cowl flap point
Substituted steel needles for plastic wing support pieces for added strength (drilled out points in wing and fuselage for support rods to fit as well - none are indicated)
Purchased Belcher Bits decals BD26 Canadian Trackers 1957-1990
I also purchased the Belcher Bits E/F to A conversion set when I figured I may not find an A version and might have to do the tougher conversion route (...so if you need one)
Finishing:
The paint finish on this CS2F aircraft was relatively straight-forward. The base coat of 501-106 Sky Gray (FS 36314) was sprayed first and allowed to dry in preparation for the masking work to be done. The dark upper colour of 501-102 Dark Gray (FS 36099) was applied next. Later the near-black anti-glare panel, de-icer boots, propeller details and hook stripes were added. Late in the build, I was able to find a colour photo which identified the propeller hubs and tips as red, so this paint was done as well. After all the paint was dry and super-fine sanded in any rough areas a Pledge gloss coat was sprayed. Again any rough areas were super-fine sanded in preparation for the decal application. I used Belcher Bits decals to get my Bonnie Stoof, which were very nice to work with. Kit decals were used for the walkways and worked nicely as well. I cut the walkway decal along the centreline to get better alignment at the engines. After all the decals had a chance to dry, a weathering panel line wash was added. The final satin finish coat was sprayed on to seal everything in. Now the challenge became adding all the final fragile parts (hopefully without breaking anything else). The wing-fold would be the final assembly (and I was quite concerned there was an accident awaiting in this final step). I waited for a good day to try, and with the help of the Hangar crew managed to get the Tracker photo shoot completed without incident.
The After-Build Report:
Don't get the impression from my long list of "Heads-Up" items that I didn't like this kit. On certain subjects I will spend a lot more time on the research and kit details, which typically ends up as a longer list of required fixes. The1/48th Kinetic CS2F (S-2A) Tracker is a nice kit to work with (could have been better however at that it could have been twice the price - so I will settle for a very buildable kit that you can make into a great display aircraft.) An intermediate experience kit, maybe more experience to take on the wing-fold but recommended for the ASW aviation fans. - Keep Calm and Carry On
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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