When this 1/48th Hobbycraft CF-105 Arrow kit was released in 1987 most of us didn't expect to see a 1950s era Canadian military aircraft, that never went into full production produced in 1/48th scale (or any other scale). This is a BIG delta wing aircraft that admittedly is a bit sparse on detail but is a recognisable CF-105 Arrow.
Notable Kit Features:
Decent basic outline of the kit
Simplified build with few parts
A 1/48th CF-105 (which I never thought I'd see)
Build Inspiration:
If you are a fan of Canadian aviation, prototype projects that were cancelled, or "What-if" types, then this aircraft should interest you. This aircraft was a huge interceptor and stood on massive gear that appeared a bit spindly due to its height. It was also very fast, being built at a time where the thought process was "The Need for Speed" especially in an interceptor. The CF-105 Arrow program held much promise during the late 50s, in its development stages, however cost overruns made the project the focus of much criticism, eventually leading to its cancellation. Even more controversial, was the project's rather hasty disposal, with all six prototypes as well as the Iroquois engines, dismantled and scrapped very shortly after project termination. Adding to the aircraft's historical impact, its cancellation led to the demise of the (small but advancing) Canadian military aircraft production industry.
Heads-Up Report:
Limited instructions with little (and some incorrect) details
Surfaces have a bit of texture in some cases (a light sanding will remedy)
Very simplified cockpit with fictitious instrument panel (admittedly very little can be seen of the cockpit unless the canopy is cut open)
Ejection seats are more "Lazy-boy" like than Martin-Baker
Some shape issues (notably the square intakes - which should be rounded and exhaust area - which tapers far too much)
Splitter plate fine raised detail is provided by decals
No wheel well details
Limited gear details and wheels are very basic (and incorrect)
Gear doors have ejector pin marks on inside
Closed weapons bay
Panel lines are overdone (too wide)
Canopy is a thick (although clear) one-piece closed version
Exhaust area looks incorrectly shaped without any details
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Decided the kit gear short-comings were best remedied by an In-Flight model (my gear wheels had a short-shot issue to add to the incorrect shape and details in the mold)
Added pilots from a Monogram kit
Finishing:
This is pretty much an all white aircraft (and it's big so that's a LOT of white coverage) White paint is always a challenging coverage job, as you not only have to deal with getting a good paint layer but also avoiding that monotone look in scale. I decided not to go with the Day-Glo Orange panels and chose an early prototype #3 as my subject. I use a flat white paint as opposed to anything glossy, as a flat is far better for coverage. The black nose, anti-glare, intake splitters, spine and fin tip were painted on, with the spine getting the most variation of colour as that is what my reference photos at the time showed. I notice my gloss coat is now starting to yellow... so a refinish may be in the plans for the distant future.
The After-Build Report:
On the one hand, the 1/48th Hobbycraft CF-105 Arrow kit netted model makers an aircraft we didn't expect to see, however the disappointments are many with the model's details. As I gathered more reference material over the years, I realize all the areas that need to be addressed with this Hobbycraft kit. It requires quite some work to make it look like a model of the real thing. In hindsight, I should have set this model aside until my dedication and skills came up a few notches. This delay would have provided the references, patience and learnings to do a bit more to make this kit a better representation. For now I at least have this recognisable piece of Canadian History in my Hangar collection. If I come across another (at a reasonable price) I may be inclined to do it over again and hopefully get something closer to the actual CF-105 legend.
The later 2003 "New Tool" 1/48th Hobbycraft CF-105 Arrow release offered a few improvements to the original plastic as well as a much better decal sheet. Apparently two new canopies come with this kit, if you want to try your hand at an open canopy option.
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
I love this. I would like to see an Arrow in an operational camo scheme one day. Where we can all imagine a world where it actually made it.