Czech Model 1/48
XF2R-1 Dark Shark

Background

The US Navy's experience with Ryan's FR-1 Fireball provided a glimpse into the future of jet-powered carrier-based aircraft. The Fireball compensated for the turbojet's lackluster performance during launch and recovery by using a conventional radial engine.

In 1946, Ryan rolled out the successor to the Fireball, the XF2R-1. This was essentially the same aircraft that had a turboprop engine rated at 1700 shp replacing the radial engine. On paper, the concept sounded great as the aircraft would only use one type of fuel instead of the Fireball's two, and the additional power would translate into better performance. That was what it looked like on paper.

The Dark Shark prototype was only 75mph faster than the Fireball, its greater power offset by the greater weight of the engine. Even with that weight, the Dark Shark was still not yet equipped with folding wings, catapult hooks, arresting gear, and other essentials for carrier operations that translated into more weight.

Only the one XF2R-1 was built and flown through 1947 before the compound fighter aircraft concept was abandoned and the Dark Shark was scrapped.

The Kit

Like the Czech Model FR-1, this is the first time the Dark Shark has become a styrene-based kit in 1/48 scale! Czech Model continues to improve the quality of its injection molding with each release and this kit is definitely looking great!

Molded in medium gray styrene, the XF2R-1 kit comes on four parts trees to provide the basic airframe details and includes a number of nicely cast resin parts to provide the cockpit, wheel wells and other details. The canopy is vacuformed and two are included in the kit.

Despite the significant improvements in molding in this kit, it is still classified as a limited production model and with the use of resin parts and no locator pins/slots for the wing-fuselage joints, some good modeling experience will be needed to get a nice result.

A comment about the Czech Model instructions. Whoever is doing the instruction sheets for these kits should get an award. These are some of the simplest, clearest instructions I've seen in any kit. I can look at any step and not have a question about where any part should be oriented or placed. The scrap drawing inserts clearly depict wing and tailplane angles/dihedral, gear door droop angles, etc. Nice job!

The XF2R-1 was equipped with two underwing pylons that were mounted inboard of the main gear. The kit includes a pair of external fuel tanks, a favorite configuration since the fuel system was feeding two thirsty engines.

Markings are provided for two aircraft:

• XF2R-1, 1946 Prototype
• XF2R-1, VF-41 'Firebirds' (notional scheme)

Conclusion

This is a very nice-looking kit and should build up into an even nicer example of this unique prototype. Definitely recommended!

You can find this kit at your local hobby retailer or directly from Squadron Mail Order (www.squadron.com).

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!