Reviewed by Brett Green
 

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Teknics has released a range of conversion and correction sets for Trumpeter's 1/48 scale F9F-2/-2P Panther kits. The first of these kits to be reviewed is the F9F-2/-2P/-3 "Down and Dirty" Conversion, presumably so called because it is designed to be built with the wings down and flaps/slats deployed (ie, the wing is not aerodynamically "clean").

Teknics' 1/48 scale conversion comprises two one-piece outer wing replacements, tip tank dump fairings, a lower wing centre section, inboard flaps and wing fences. All parts are supplied in grey resin and casting on my sample is flawless, as can be expected from Teknics.

This set delivers a number of improvements and changes to the basic Trumpeter kit. The most obvious is the dropped leading edge slats, cast in place on the one-piece outboard wing sections. Also of note on these parts is the improved tip tanks. These are around the same length as the Trumpeter parts but noticeably bulkier, which seems to match reference photos more closely. Furthermore, the small separate tip tank dump fairings deliver a more realistic "see through" effect to the rear of the tanks.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Although the Panther was rarely, if ever, seen with the leading edge slats deployed and the wings folded, Teknics has cast structural detail to the wing fold area which is far superior to the almost flat counterpart on the Trumpeter kit.

The replacement lower wing section features open inboard flap wells and separate flaps. It should be noted that when the outboard flaps were dropped, the inboard flaps were also in the lowered position.

The final element of this set is the small leading edge wing fences sometimes fitted to the -2/-3. Check your references to see if they were fitted to your chosen subject.

Surface detail on all parts is crisp and subtle - noticeably moreso than the Trumpeter surfaces. You might consider a coat of Mr Surfacer and a light sanding to bring the kit rivet details into line with the new resin parts.

Most resin parts are cast onto strips but they are very easy and fast to remove. In fact, I literally snapped the casting block off one of the wings with no ill effects (but I do not recommend this method to anyone else!). If you have had some experience working with resin kits or conversions in the past, you won't encounter any surprises here.

This is a very simple conversion. There is no cutting or other preparation required for any of the kit parts. The new pieces will be drop-fit replacements.

Trumpeter's 1/48 scale Panther will greatly benefit from this simple yet comprehensive conversion.

If you want to display your F9F-2/-2P/-3 "down and dirty", with all surfaces dropped and deployed, this is the best and easiest way to do it!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Teknics for the review sample

Text and Images Copyright © 2007 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 27 March, 2007
Last updated 04 June, 2007

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