Caracal Models CD 48172: FJ-2 Fury part 2, reviewed by Scott Van Aken

Caracal Models CD 48172: FJ-2 Fury part 2

Units:	See review
Price	$13.99
Reviewer:	Scott Van Aken

Thanks to the release of the Kitty Hawk 1/48 FJ-2, Caracal Models has provided us with a couple of sheets featuring this aircraft. This is the second sheet. A few notes on the kit are appropriate for those wanting an accurate model. For whatever reason, Kitty Hawk molded the FJ-2 with reinforced rudder and elevator surfaces. While this would be correct for those that were in service a long time and retrofitted with them (like the reserve bird), the majority of these planes did not have these reinforcements. This means that you need to fill them in. It is always wise to check reference photos for the plane you are building to see if these are present or not. Secondly, there is no prototype kit, even though prototype markings are provided. To build the XF and YF option it would be best to start with an F-86E and add the modifications such as the guns, canopy, and the flat horizontal stabs. It will also require the wing fences to be sanded off.

The sheet provides markings for seven aircraft running the full operational life of the plane.

Here is what you get:

XFJ-2 BuNo. 133754

YFJ-2B BuNo. 133756

FJ-2 BuNo. 132057, VMF-312, USMC

FJ-2 BuNo. 131955, VMF-451(early), USMC

FJ-2 BuNo. 132122, VMF-451(late), USMC

FJ-2 BuNo. 131980, VMF-235, USMC

FJ-2 BuNo. 132111, NAS Columbus, US Navy Reserve

In addition to the unique markings, a Fury insignia/stencil sheet is provided. Instructions are excellent and provide notes where needed. The set is superbly printed by Cartograf. There are enough data markings for two planes if one of them is the sea blue option. You can do others by using the kit decals.

October 2020

Thanks to www.caracalmodels.com for the review sheet. Price includes US shipping. Get yours today from this link or have your local shop order it for you.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

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