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In-Box Review
172
Northrop Grumman X-47B
US Navy UCAS X-47B w/GBU-27
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

Platz have re-released their X-47B in a new form with GBU-27 guided bombs. The basic kit is unchanged from the initial release (reviewed HERE by Matthew Robeson), but with an additional sprue along with a new set of decals.

Arriving in a glossy top-opening box, the kit comprises:
29 23 12 x grey styrene parts
Decals for 4 x colour schemes

The moulding throughout is crisp and blemish-free. There’s no trace of flash or sink marks on the sample kit, and the few light ejector pin marks are tucked pretty well out of sight. The exterior surface has a satin finish with very neatly engraved panel lines.

Based on my experience building the original kit, I can vouch that the fit is excellent and trouble free. The unusual air intake is cleverly designed to drop in and follows a panel line.

With no cockpit to worry about, assembly is very quick. The only detail sections to concentrate on are the nicely moulded undercarriage and weapons. The kit offers a choice of extended or folded wings and, despite its tricycle undercarriage, doesn’t require weight in the nose.

The original GBU-31 1,000lb bombs are still included, but an all-new sprue offers a pair of GBU-27 Paveway IIIs. The new parts are moulded to the same high standard as the rest of the kit, and the “bunker busters” include separate fins and new-style launch racks.

Instructions & decals
Platz have printed the assembly guide as a large fold-out sheet with bi-lingual Japanese/English text and captions. The diagrams are clearly drawn and simple to follow, and Gunze Sangyo and ModelMaster paint matches are offered along with FS numbers, so you should be able to find suitable colours wherever you’re based.

As usual in Platz kits, the decals are custom-printed by Cartograf and, as you’d expect, they are excellent. The thin and glossy designs are in perfect register and have almost no excess carrier film. The sheet offers markings for a pair of prototype aircraft - #501 and #502 - plus two notional “operational” schemes with insignia for CVW-8 and CVW-14.

Conclusion
Platz’s X-47B is a great kit - simple enough to make an ideal “weekend build”, and radical enough to turn heads anywhere. Recommended for modellers of all abilities wanting a glimpse into the possible future of naval aviation.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Very well designed and moulded. Simple to build. Excellent decals.
Lows: None.
Verdict: Simple enough for beginners and detailed enough to satisfy more experienced modellers, Plat's X-47B is an ideal weekend build.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:72
  Mfg. ID: AC-12
  Suggested Retail: 3,024 Yen
  PUBLISHED: Jul 03, 2014
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 88.47%

Our Thanks to Platz!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

Rowan, A very concise and solid review. Seems like a no-brainer to issue this kit after their initial release. Just hard to justify the need for both versions in ones collection, as the only differences is the addition to the internal bomb load. For someone like me, it would be either or. Joel
JUL 03, 2014 - 07:08 AM
   
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