T-28 Trojan Accessories

Pavla, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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The T-28 Trojan was North American’s response to a USAF requirement for an aircraft combining the primary and basic trainer functions. It was derived from an experimental intermediate trainer design called the XSN2J-1, which had been intended for the US Navy. This looked very much like a T-28, but with a tail rather than nose-wheel arrangement. The first T-28A Trojans went into service in April 1950.

The T-28A was a little underpowered with 800-hp for take-off from its R-1300 engine. Consequently R-1820 engines in the 1,300 to 1,400-hp range powered subsequent versions.  The first of these was the T-28B built for the US Navy. Compared to the T-28A it had a 3-blade prop, different engine cowling, belly-mounted speed brake and smaller nose-wheel. The T-28C was another US Navy version with shortened propeller blades and an arrester hook for carrier landings. The T-28D Nomad was a T-28A re-engined with the R-1820. It was intended for COIN operations with six wing hard-points The USAF used it as the TA-28D for ground attack training.

I have read differing accounts regarding which versions had a 4-inch lower line to the canopy than that of the T-28A’s. My best assessment is that the T-28D certainly did, along with some late T-28A’s, and all T-28B’s and C’s.

The French bought a number of T-28A’s and Sud-Aviation modified them with R-1820’s from surplus B-17s to become Fennecs. The Fennec had an air-scoop on the top of the engine cowl unlike those of T-28’s. They were intended for COIN operations and had armour protection, wing hard points plus French instrumentation and avionics.

The T-28 was used by a considerable number of states other than the USA and France, both as a trainer and in the light attack role. Around 250 T-28’s and Fennecs remain in use around the world, many as war-birds

Heller Kit

The only game in town for a 1/72 T-28 I’m aware of is the Heller Fennec. This is a very nice little kit the builds flawlessly as far as I can recall. However if you want a version of T-28 rather than a Fennec you will need to do some research and be prepared to modify the kit (Even as a Fennec the kit’s ventral air-brake should be eliminated).

 Maybe here is an opportunity for Pavla: How about releasing some conversion sets for the T-28A, B, C & D? The variety of colourful markings is considerable, and should have fairly wide appeal.

Pavla is well known for their extensive range of resin seats, detail and conversion sets, vac-form canopies, and fairly large range of limited run aircraft kits. They have adopted a sensible and welcome approach to aircraft accessories by frequently offering different degrees of enhancement for the same kit. This is the case here, with the option of full cockpit set and canopy, or just a pair of seat s and/or a canopy.

All of the resin is cast to high standards, with some very fine detail evident Clear instructions with paint call-outs area welcome feature of the cockpit set. The photos tell their own story so I have little to add here, other than to say that the set will be a big improvement over the kit parts, despite these being pretty good compared to many kits of similar age.

The canopy, which is the high type definitely applicable to the Fennec and T-28A, will allow everything to be shown off to full effect. It comes as three pieces, which may force your hand to have the canopy open.

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If you’re on a budget, or don’t need so much detail, you can buy just the seats and/or the canopy separately.

These sets are very welcome improvements for the Heller Fennec or a T-28 conversion based on the Heller kit.

Definitely recommended. 

Thanks to Pavla Models for the review samples.

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2010 by Mark Davies
Page Created 27 July, 2010
Last updated 27 July, 2010

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