Hawk 127 LIF

Correction and Update Set for Airfix Hawk 100

R&R Models, 1/48 scale

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The 1/48 scale Airfix Hawk 100 kit includes marking options for an RAAF Hawk 127 LIF, but it does not provide the specific parts to build this colourful machine. The Australian Hawk 127 LIF features a unique cockpit designed to simulate an F/A-18 Hornet, thus offering maximum value to the RAAF as a Lead In Fighter (LIF).

The nose of the Airfix kit is also misshapen. The real thing is sleek and chisel-like, while the Airfix nose is noticeably too bulbous.

R&R Models has chosen to address both of these shortcomings with their debut effort.

R&R's 1/48 scale Hawk 127 LIF correction and update set comprises 23 parts in pale cream coloured resin (sprayed grey in these photos to show the detail more effectively). The largest part is a well-cast, once-piece replacement nose. This is a much more accurate shape than the Airfix attempt. There is also some nice detail cleverly cast inside the nose wheel well.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The R&R set also features a complete replacement cockpit. This is also very well done. It includes a large tub casting, two Martin Baker MB.10 seats, new glass instrument panels with integrally cast coamings; sidewalls, rear bulkhead and smaller cockpit parts such as rudder pedals, control columns and Head Up Display. I was especially impressed with the detailed and accurate instrument panels, and that the two bang seats had different arrangements of the cast-on lap harnesses on the seat cushions - really nice attention to detail.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

A section of upper fuselage behind the cockpit is also replaced with a resin part.

The quality of casting is generally very high, with only a few areas requiring a bit of tidying up - sanding and polishing - before assembly and painting.

Casting blocks do not look too imposing. The large block on which the tub is cast should not need to be completely removed, but there will be considerable thinning of the inside of the kit sidewalls (as noted in the instructions) before fitting the resin cockpit.

Instructions comprise written notes and a series of construction photos. This is quite a useful guide.

If you are a fan of Aussie Hawks and you were planning to build the 1/48 scale Airfix kit, you will be very pleased to see this high quality conversion.

R&R are to be congratulated for this very high quality debut effort. It will make a big difference to the Airfix Hawk in terms of both accuracy and detail.

Highly Recommended.