Monogram 1/48 Miller SNJ

Prior to and during WWII, North American aviation did a series of advanced trainers, the most recognizable to current readers would be the T-6/SNJ. These were the last trainers that pilots would fly prior to going to their squadrons for conversion training into their final ride.

Thousands of these were built and used well into the post war period. Many hundreds were also supplied to Allies during the war and to dozens of nations in the post war period. War time airframes were frequently updated with some new external parts and avionics while others were armed and used as light attack aircraft in various conflicts in the 50s and 60s. So ubiquitous was the aircraft that a large number survived to enter the civil registry. The type is still popular to these days.

This particular kit is your standard Monogram T-6/SNJ, just with different decals. The kit is from the raised panel line era, but don't let that put you off. The detailing is superb and this continues into the interior. The cockpit contains an accurate floor with two seats and control sticks that are trapped between accurate framework side panels. After the installation of instrument panels (no decals for these) it is then installed in a fuselage half along with a rear bulkhead.

Once the fuselage halves are closed the upper cowling piece (without the gun) is installed followed by an engine front and firewall. Tailplanes are installed followed by the wing. The kit has separate flaps which are by default, molded int he lowered position. Next are the landing gear. Final bits are cowling, prop, and the extensive greenhouse. This is a WWII era molding with the small panes.

Instructions are well done with generic color references. The decal sheet allows one of six aircraft from the Miller's team to be modeled. Decals are quite thick compared to today's standards, but should still be viable even after 40 years. There are lots of aftermarket options should you want something different.

This is still a very nice kit of the T-6/SNJ, especially if you want to build a version with the early canopy. For the later T-6G, you should seek out the Ocidental kit (or whomever has reboxed it) as it provides all the correct bits for this upgraded variant.

March 2025

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