The Mk.IIB:  The improved Merlin XX (Mk.20) engine appeared in 1940 featuring a new two-speed supercharger that could have its impeller speed changed by the pilot depending on the outside air pressure (altitude). At about 18,000 feet (5,500 m) (effective), it would be switched to a higher speed gearing ("FS ratio" – Full Supercharge) for added compression, while below that, at its lower speed gearing, ("MS ratio" – Moderate Supercharge), it "robbed" less power from the engine. The result was more power at both lower and higher altitudes, dramatically increasing the overall performance of the engine, peaking at 1,280 horsepower (950 kW). Because of the new engine, the bay immediately in front of the cockpit was lengthened by 4 inches (100 mm). The carburettor air intake under the forward centre-section was redesigned and moved back 3 inches (76 mm). The more powerful engine was cooled by a 70% to 30% water glycol mix, rather than pure glycol used for earlier Merlin versions. This and the increased cooling requirements required a larger radiator and a redesigned, circular oil cooler housed in a deeper, slightly wider "bath".

Trials with 12 .303 in (7.7 mm) Brownings (four per wing in the original gun-bays and two more in new gun-bays outboard of the landing lights) were done in June and July 1940, production began at Hawker and Austin in February 1941. These aircraft also featured a new longer propeller spinner. The tailwheel recess on the ventral keel was changed in shape and the tailwheel leg became a levered-suspension unit with a small torque link.

Prior to the release of this kit, the only 1/72 Hurricane IIb that I can recall was by Revell. This made into a nice kit though it had a rather oddly shaped radiator intake. This Arma Hobby kit is all new and is designed to do multiple variants using many of the same sprues. You can see that in the parts chart where you get an additional wing sprue for the IIb with the main sprue having IIc wings. This boxing also does not use the bombs or the drop tanks so those are also x'd out.

The instructions start you out building up the main gear wells and attaching those to the upper wing before joining the wing halves together. Something a bit unusual is that the upper wing is a full span molding that includes the floor for the interior. The cockpit is nicely detailed and has detail molded on the sidewalls. As this kit does not have the photo etch, decals are used in place of the p.e. bits. This includes the instrument panel which is has two decals. One puts the main one on first, and when dry, another decal goes atop it with additional detail. Decals are also used for the seat harness. These parts are then trapped in the main fuselage halves.

The control stick and rudder pedals are put on the wing assembly before mating the wing to the fuselage. At this time the horizontal stab with separate elevator is attached, followed by the fin/rudder. Then the radiator assembly is build up. Instructions would have you add the main gear at this time, but I'd hold off until after painting. Radiator assembly and carb intake are then installed along with exhaust and landing light covers. Again, I'd leave off the last two items until after painting.

The kit provides clear lenses for the formation lights. You also get a choice of open or closed canopy with the open option being a bit wider so it will fit properly. The sand filter is then attached along with the prop and spinner. Outer wing guns stick out and those are among the last items to be glued in place.

Instructions are well done with multiple paint references. Both markings options are in the usual desert camouflage with one in the A scheme and the other in the B. The box art plane is one based in Palestine during late 1943 with white wing and fuselage bands for Operation Virile. The other is a plane based in Burma during February 1942 with 135 squadron. The decal sheet is nicely printed and should be trouble-free.

As is often the case, I bought this kit to go with some decals. The kit itself looks to be very nicely done and with sufficient detail to please most. I don't anticipate it being a difficult build, though it does have some very small parts. Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_Hurricane_variants

June 2024

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