Friday, May 3, 2013

P-2H (P2V-7) NEPTUNE ‘J.M.S.D.F.’




Known for its long flight-time capabilities the anti-submarine patrol plane (P-2H (P2V-7) NEPTUNE ‘J.M.S.D.F.’) was a workhorse of the airways during the turbulent Cold War years of the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s.

Equipped with a 20% wing thickness, horizontal stabilizer, magnetic detector, high power searchlight, sonar buoy and bomb bay (capable of holding torpedoes, bombs and rockets) the twin-engine jet aircraft was well suited for all types of weather conditions.

Used primarily by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force the aircraft was modified to fit four blade turboprops while its single wheel landing gear was switched to a dual wheel configuration.

The Hasegawa Hobby Kits 1:72 Scale reproduction allows modelers to build the model in either configuration.

Details on the pieces and aircraft overall are perfect right down to the fuselage and wing fittings and lines.  Five part trees are included and parts detach easily with little or no flashing. 

Parts fit snuggly together and assembly, decal application and paint schemes are explained in full detail within the  comprehensive instructions. Schematics make piecing together the aircraft easy and the historical text makes the story of the P-2H (P2V-7) NEPTUNE ‘J.M.S.D.F.’ come alive.