CAC CA-12 Boomerang

Special Hobby, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Mick Evans

Special Hobby's 1/48 scale CAC CA-12 Boomerang is available online from Squadron.com

This early version Boomerang kit from Special Hobby is a welcome addition to all modellers interested in Australian 1/48 scale aircraft.

Special Hobby’s all-new kit is very impressive and outclasses all previous 1/48 scale offerings of the Boomerang, these being mainly the limited run injection moulded kits from Kiwi Wings and LTD.  They are completely outclassed by this new kit by Special Hobby.

On opening the box we are presented with a very detailed multi media kit.  There are approximately 112 finely engraved grey coloured injection moulded plastic parts, 29 photo etched parts, 31 resin parts and 19 clear injection moulded parts in this kit.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

The plastic parts have absolutely no flash at all and the surface detail is crisply moulded displaying fine panel lines and rivet detail.  The surface of the parts has no moulding imperfections. Special Hobby’s moulding quality these days is nothing short of superb.

Cockpit detail is provided by way of 63 plastic, resin and etched parts, and all this detail will be visible through the crystal clear canopy whether the canopy is modelled in the open or closed position.  The only view that I presently have is the tubing that makes up the cross structure framework in the cockpit may be a bit on the heavy side, but this is from an on the sprue observation and any reservations that I have here may be dispelled when I get the cockpit together..  A very nice etched seat harness is also provided to dress up the well detailed seat.  The detail and framework appears to be very accurate according to the copy of the Kookaburra Technical Publication and Stuart Wilson’s publication on the Boomerang.

Overall the shape looks consistent with the 1/72 scale Boomerang drawings that I have, although I have not enlarged them to 1/48 scale to micro-assess the accuracy.  I feel that it looks very accurate and most importantly captures the stubby bulky look of the Boomerang.  It looks like a Boomerang!

A good representation of the main landing gear bays is provided along with nicely detailed main and tail landing gear. These will require very little clean up and refinement.  The main spar detail that is visible in the main landing gear bays is provided along with other details that make up the wheel bay.  The photo etched parts for the bays contain the appropriate lightening holes.

The licensed built P&W R-1830 Twin Wasp engine is beautifully replicated in a multitude of resin and plastic parts.  All up, 97 parts go together to make up the engine detail.  This includes the 64 parts that have to be cut from plastic rod to make up the valve pushrods and the individual plastic exhaust pipes that lead back to the main exhaust manifold.  It is almost a shame to hide this detail in the engine cowl.

Finally the centreline additional fuel tank is provided as an option to be added to the kit.  The accuracy and detail of this kit has been heavily influence by extensive researched by Melbourne based Australian aircraft historian, pilot, Warbird owner  and expert Dick Hourigan.

The instruction sheet is made up of a detailed black and white explosive assembly view that details the assembly of the kit with no ambiguity.  The colours schemes are provided on a glossy colour sheet detailing the colours required for the four schemes.

The canopy is crystal clear and will look superb when painted and a dip in Future Floor Polish may even enhance the clarity further.

Marking Options

The decals are crisp, accurate in colour and in register and provide for 4 different Royal Australian Air Force Schemes as follows:

• CAC-12 Boomerang, MH-E, A46-52, belonging to No 83 Sqn, RAAF, based at Camden NSW in August 1945.  This aircraft is finished in Foliage Green upper surfaces and Sky Blue lower surfaces.

• CAC-12 Boomerang, ZA-O, A46-95 belonging to No 8 CU, RAAF, based in New Guinea in December 1943.  This aircraft is finished in Foliage Green and Earth Brown upper surfaces and Sky Blue lower surfaces.  The vertical and horizontal tail surfaces are finished in white.

• CAC-12 Boomerang, QE-S, A46-93 belonging to No 4 Sqn, RAAF, based in New Guinea in July 1943.  This aircraft is finished in Foliage Green and Earth Brown upper surfaces and Sky Blue lower surfaces.

• CAC-12 Boomerang, A46-62 R “Sleepytime Girl” belonging to No 84 Sqn, RAAF, based in Perth in April 1943.  This aircraft is finished in Foliage Green and Earth Brown upper surfaces and Sky Blue lower surfaces.

Highly recommended for modellers with experience building multi media kits.  

Thanks to MPM / Special Hobby for the review sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Mick Evans
Images Copyright © 2008 by Brett Green
Page Created 2 July, 2008
Last updated 2 July, 2008

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page