Platz 1/72 Mitsubishi T-2 Blue Impulse Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | September 2014 | Manufacturer | Platz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Mitsubishi T-2 Blue Impulse | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | AC-13 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Easy build, nice details | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (Yen) | ¥3024 |
First Look
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When the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) sought options for a new jet trainer in the late 1960s, it was decided to develop an indigenous solution and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries produced their first military aircraft, the T-2, since World War II. The design was heavily inspired by the SEPECAT Jaguar including the use of license-built versions of the Jaguar's engines, but the T-2 featured a number of unique differences as well.
In 1958, an unofficial aerial demonstration team was formed in Japan flying the F-86F Sabre, but they were disbanded after only four performances. After the USAF Thunderbirds visit to Japan in 1959, the JASDF reconsidered their own aerial demonstration team and in 1960, the Blue Impulse was formed and included several pilots from that first unofficial team. The Blue Impulse transitioned into the T-2 for the 1982 show season and operated that aircraft through 1995.
Last year, Platz released a new-tool kit of the Mitsubishi F-1 ( look here) and they've followed that with this T-2 in Blue Impulse markings. Molded in blue styrene, this kit is presented on six parts trees plus one tree of clear parts. This kit has some nice features and options:
- Nicely detailed cockpits
- Positionable canopies
- Choice of original or newer frameless windscreen
- Positionable landing gear
- Positionable speed brakes
- Positionable stabilators
- Nice wingtip missile rails
The kit provides the following external stores:
- 3 x 220 gallon external tanks (four provided)
- 2 x AIM-9 Sidewinder
The kit provides markings for all seven team aircraft:
- T-2, 29-5175, Blue Impulse 1
- T-2, 69-5128, Blue Impulse 2
- T-2, 29-5177, Blue Impulse 3
- T-2, 19-5173, Blue Impulse 4
- T-2, 59-5111, Blue Impulse 5
- T-2, 99-5163, Blue Impulse 6
- T-2, 29-5176, Blue Impulse 7
The decal sheet provides an extremely thorough set of airframe stenciling in addition to the distinctive markings for each of the cited examples. Painting instructions use FS call-outs as well as GSI and Testors paints.
Platz continues to turn out some nice kits and this one is no exception!
For a look at this kit built, look here.
My sincere thanks to Platz Hobby for this review sample!