Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk

Halberd Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Curtiss SC Seahawk was a scout seaplane designed by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company for the United States Navy. The existing Curtiss SO3C Seamew and Vought OS2U Kingfisher were gradually replaced by the Seahawk in the late stages of the war and into peacetime.

The first serial production Seahawks were delivered on 22 October 1944, to USS Guam.

All 577 aircraft eventually produced for the Navy were delivered on conventional landing gear and flown to the appropriate Naval Air Station, where floats were fitted for service as needed.

Capable of being fitted with either float or wheeled landing gear, the Seahawk was arguably America's best floatplane scout of World War II. However, its protracted development time meant it entered service too late to see significant action in the war. It was not until June 1945, during the pre-invasion bombardment of Borneo, that the Seahawk was involved in military action.

By the end of the war, seaplanes were becoming less desirable, with the Seahawk being replaced soon afterward by helicopters. Tri-color camouflage and markings on the Seahawk were in accordance with US Navy regulations from 1944, 1945, and later postwar regulations. There are no known surviving examples of the Seahawk today.*

The SC Seahawk in 1/48 scale

The Curtiss SC Seahwk has been largely ignored in 1/48 scale.

Signifer released a multimedia kit in 1997 which was apparently a pretty nice kit and not too difficult to build. However, it is now long out of production and commanding silly prices on eBay.

Halberd Models from Ukraine has addressed this floatplane famine with their new full multimedia 1/48 scale kit of the Curtiss SC-1 Seahwk.

Halberd's Seahawk kit comprises 58 parts in green coloured resin; five clear resin parts, 21 copper plated photo-etched parts, two clear acetate parts, decals for four marking options and illustrated instructions.

The fuselage halves are taped together for transport and are ready to use almost straight from the box. You'll just need to cut off some excess resin at the bottom of the main float mount.

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Thumbnail panels:

The surface textures on the green coloured resin parts are crisp, fine and consistent.

The fuselage and tail planes mainly feature recessed panel lines with the addition of very fine recessed rivets on the main float.

The resin parts appear to have been cast conventionally and casting quality is perfect. I haven't found a single imperfection on my kit so far.

There will be a bit of work required to remove casting blocks and strips. A motor tool with a cutting wheel, a razor saw, a new hobby blade and a range of sanding sticks will help free the resin parts from their casting artefacts. Take your time with this important step. The more thorough the parts preparation, the faster the assembly.

Cockpit detail is really nicely done with separate resin side consoles, seat and more. Photo-etched harness straps are included too.

The instrument panel is a sandwich - a rear resin back plate, decal dials and a photo-etched face.

My only criticism here is that the decals instrument dials are presented in a light grey colour - a bit too pale in my opinion.

The engine is also beautifully detailed. The cylinders are separate parts that fit into recessed locating circles in the crank case. However, you will need to source your own push rods - Evergreen .020" plastic rod will do the trick - and ignition harness.

The propeller hub is keyed for the four blades. The blades are very fine and very slightly warped. A hair dryer or hot water will straighten these parts.

The one-piece wings are cast with control surfaces in neutral positions.

Recessed locating positions are cast for the outboard float struts.

An underwing mounted radar pod is included.

The main float itself is cast with a separate nose and rudder.

The outrigger floats are cast in one piece each.

Beaching gear is supplied.

The canopy and windscreen are clear resin parts. Clarity is very good. The canopy may be posed open or closed. The clear parts will need to be removed from their casting blocks with a razor saw. Take extreme care with these. You won't get a second chance!

Wing tip navigation lights are included as separate parts too.

Markings

Decals are supplied for four marking options. These are in a range of schemes that reflect mid-war three-colour camouflage and late-war Gloss Sea Blue.

Printing and registration look good. The decals are satin in texture.

Fit and Assembly

I have already started assembly.

Test fitting the main parts indicates very good fit.

The only area I found a bit tricky was fitting the engine between the fuselage halves. I sanded the tops of the cylinders and test-fitted, repeating this process until the fuselage closed around the engine.

The cockpit tub was a tight fit too but it clicked into place after a bit of fiddling.

Otherwise, assembly has been an absolute pleasure!

This is a beautifully detailed and well executed kit of the Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk, a type that has been largely neglected in 1/48 scale until now.

The subtlety of the surface textures and the quality of casting is outstanding.

Its thoughtful design including recessed locating aids, tabs and locating pins on the fuselage means that only a moderate amount of resin kit experience will be required to tackle the project.

Grab one while you can!

It is also worth mentioning that this Ukrainian company continues to manufacture and distribute their models in the middle of a war. Buying this kit is one small way to support our Ukranian friends.

*Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia

Thanks to Halberd Models for the sample

Halberd Models eBay Shop

Halberd Models Facebook Page

Text and Images Copyright © 2023 by Brett Green
Page Created 21 March, 2023
Last updated 21 March, 2023

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