Grumman A-6E Intruder

Kinetic, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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Kinetic released their 1/48 scale EA-6B Prowler back in mid 2010.

Now, not surprisingly, they have followed up with a 1/48 scale A-6E Intruder.

Revell's 1/48 scale A-6E Intruder has been around since 1988, while Fujimi offered an even older A-6A. It is therefore nice to see a well-detailed and up-to-date kit of this important US Naval aircraft.

Kinetic's new A-6E represents the final version of the Intruder with SWIP upgrade (Systems/Weapons Improvement Program) and composite wing straight from the box, complete with AGM-84E Harpoons, Multiple Ejection Racks, MK-82 Snake Eyes and TRAM.

The kit comprises 337 parts in pale grey-green plastic plus eleven parts in clear. Markings for three late-version Intruders are included.

The big boost in parts count compared to 2010's Prowler is mainly due to several sprues of new ordnance relevant to the SWIP configuration.

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Thumbnail panels:

The fuselage is all-new to accommodate the two-seater cockpit - no inserts needed here!

Surface texture is as good as the earlier Kinetic Prowler, with fine recessed panel lines and quite smooth plastic overall. It is still not quite Hasegawa quality yet, but it is really not that far off.

The cockpit is respectably fitted out with two multi-part seats, instrument panels with raised detail and basic side consoles. Harness straps are not depicted, However, as they have already done for their Prowler, Kinetic will undoubtedly release colour photo-etch for the front office before too long.

The front landing gear bay is moulded as part of a ventral insert, and features separate sidewalls.

The jet intakes only go as far as the front of the ladders, but Kinetic has at least moulded an engine face here. On the upside, the boarding ladders may be posed open; and there is a decent length of exhaust ducting.

The wings are moulded as inner and outer sections, with top and bottom parts for each of the four sections. The inboard wing sections should mate securely to the fuselage with a large joining area. The top of the wheel well extends into the fuselage area to help with a solid join too.

The wings may be posed either folded or extended. Different parts are required at the wing fold depending on which option you choose, so pay careful attention to the instructions.

Leading edge slats and flaps are all moulded closed, while the rudder and ailerons are in neutral positions. Wolfpack Designs has already released a flap and airbrake set for the Kinetic Prowler, and this might be adaptable to the Intruder kit too. The horizontal stabs can pivot on their locating pin, so these may be posed according to the modeller's taste.

Undercarriage parts are broken down simply, while the wheels feature separate tyre halves sandwiching the wheel hubs. This should make painting easier. The front landing light is supplied as a separate clear part for the front landing gear door.

The transparencies are thin, very clear and free from distortion.

Kinetic has moulded the opening sections of the canopy in two parts each so they retain their thinness, but still feature their characteristic bulge. You'll just need to take care when gluing the canopy halves together (although the saving grace is that there is a centreline frame along the line of the join).

Markings

Markings are supplied for three late model A-6Es from the 1990s:

• VA-115 Eagles 500 155704 1995

• VA-115 Eagles 500 155662 1996

• VA-155 Eagles 501 164310 1995

The decals are perfectly printed by Cartograf.

Artwork was designed by Fightertown Decals.

The large decal sheet includes stencil markings.

Kinetic's new 1/48 scale A-6E Intruder is an impressive model of an important subject. 337 parts might seem like a high number, but many of those parts are for the ordnance and construction looks to be very straightforward. Surface detail is really very good as well.

I was very pleased to see the folded wing option, inclusion of ordnance and the sparkling clear parts. Lucky Model has retained the Prowler's 2010 USD$49.99 price tag for this release too.

I will be sending this sample up to Mick Evans, so no doubt we will see the model built very soon!

Thanks to Lucky Model for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Brett Green
Page Created 17 January, 2012
Last updated 18 January, 2012

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