built the G a while back. Add some aftermarket decals and it really is a terrific kit. I think i also added the True Details resin wheel set as it also came with the life raft that is so prevalent when the canopy is open. It was also the first kit I fully riveted and the AMT plastic lends itself well to that. I will be starting the J model soon. I tracked down the Vector resin nose detail set. Should be fun.
Nice looking kit, good looking clear part, the tires are flattened and looks like the majority of the flash was on the trees. No complaints here, also nice review. Awesome channel.
Just finished the Italeri reboxe of the G version and your assessment is spot on. The newer boxing is nice, the molds seem to have held up well and the decals are Cartograf so at least you don't have to spend extra coin replacing them, assuming you like the schemes of course (I did). You get two U.S., one Aussie and one early-G Soviet machine. I went with the Pacific 89th BG version with the cool nose art. Anyway, I wanted this to be relatively a simple build so closed the bomb bay (be prepared for some fitting) and a closed canopy to avoid extra work and preserve the lines of the plane. I had the Eduard P/E set for the cockpit and used it but for a closed canopy, not necessary IMO. The only thing that really needs replacement are the kit wheels, they're terrible so I got the resin replacements, which also comes with the raft that goes behind the pilot, again only really useful for an open canopy. I suppose you could work over the kit wheels/tires but it would be a fair amount of work, they're that bad. Engines are a high point, you're right, just added some ignition wires and careful painting and they look darn good. Props are quite good out of the box, just some cleanup and reshaping needed. Fit wasn't bad overall, except the tail/stabilizers. Be prepared to do a ton of filling and sanding and rescribing if you want it to look good. Reminiscent of the old Monogram B-26. A seemingly minor detail but the kit is really let down by the gear doors. Closed/gear up they're easy, but open you have to cut. No big deal, but there is no location assistance whatsoever and the connection is very weak so they fall off if you look at them wrong. I need to go back and reinforce them, itself not an easy task after painting, so probably plan for this before final painting.
P.S. canopy fit to the plane is pretty bad so plan on some work there where it joins the fuselage. If closed, also plan on some work for the opening section of it too, it was very "gappy" overall.
Yeah, your experience lines up with what I remember from the kit, the cartograph decals do sound really nice! I would be surprised of the OG kit decals are any good, I guess we'll see!
I have 3 of these unopened. With another that ive built. Got them from a model show back in 96. Haven't looked to see if they now have upgrades or accessories available now or not.
I just finished the g version. It's a really good solid kit for it's age. It went together better than a lot of newer kits out there.
Awesome!
built the G a while back. Add some aftermarket decals and it really is a terrific kit. I think i also added the True Details resin wheel set as it also came with the life raft that is so prevalent when the canopy is open. It was also the first kit I fully riveted and the AMT plastic lends itself well to that. I will be starting the J model soon. I tracked down the Vector resin nose detail set. Should be fun.
That sounds awesome!
With all the havoc that Christmas deliveries bring, FedEx and UPS decided to come together.
Now they're FedUp.
lol
I built the G about 10 years back as 'Green Hornet', solid kit but my next A20 will be the HK Models 48th which should be 2025...
Crossing fingers for the HK kit!
Always an Outstanding video and presentation.
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice looking kit, good looking clear part, the tires are flattened and looks like the majority of the flash was on the trees. No complaints here, also nice review. Awesome channel.
It really isn't a bad kit, I've built quite a few in the past and really enjoy it, looking forward to getting them back on the bench!
@@HammerheadModelMaking looking forward to a possible video in the future. I think it will be a great build.
Built the AMT early version without the rear mounted turret. Night fighter version. I concerted it to a day version.
Nice, I'm still missing the night fighter version.
Built that years ago, purchased at Kmart. Other than that kit, the AMT TigerCat is right up there too!
Oh yeah, the Tigercat kits were great too!
kit looks perfect for aftermarket!
It absolutely is!
Nice kits, one thing that improves the look is the nose strut height. As built it sets a little nose low. A-20s have a little nose up stance.
Thanks for sharing that, I'll make a not of that!
Just finished the Italeri reboxe of the G version and your assessment is spot on.
The newer boxing is nice, the molds seem to have held up well and the decals are Cartograf so at least you don't have to spend extra coin replacing them, assuming you like the schemes of course (I did). You get two U.S., one Aussie and one early-G Soviet machine. I went with the Pacific 89th BG version with the cool nose art.
Anyway, I wanted this to be relatively a simple build so closed the bomb bay (be prepared for some fitting) and a closed canopy to avoid extra work and preserve the lines of the plane. I had the Eduard P/E set for the cockpit and used it but for a closed canopy, not necessary IMO.
The only thing that really needs replacement are the kit wheels, they're terrible so I got the resin replacements, which also comes with the raft that goes behind the pilot, again only really useful for an open canopy. I suppose you could work over the kit wheels/tires but it would be a fair amount of work, they're that bad.
Engines are a high point, you're right, just added some ignition wires and careful painting and they look darn good. Props are quite good out of the box, just some cleanup and reshaping needed.
Fit wasn't bad overall, except the tail/stabilizers. Be prepared to do a ton of filling and sanding and rescribing if you want it to look good. Reminiscent of the old Monogram B-26.
A seemingly minor detail but the kit is really let down by the gear doors. Closed/gear up they're easy, but open you have to cut. No big deal, but there is no location assistance whatsoever and the connection is very weak so they fall off if you look at them wrong. I need to go back and reinforce them, itself not an easy task after painting, so probably plan for this before final painting.
P.S. canopy fit to the plane is pretty bad so plan on some work there where it joins the fuselage. If closed, also plan on some work for the opening section of it too, it was very "gappy" overall.
Yeah, your experience lines up with what I remember from the kit, the cartograph decals do sound really nice! I would be surprised of the OG kit decals are any good, I guess we'll see!
I’ve got this kit somewhere in my stash but haven’t started it. I think I found it when Big Lots used to sell model kits.
Oh nice!
Great kit s
I agree!
Very nice!
Thanks!
I have 3 of these unopened. With another that ive built. Got them from a model show back in 96. Haven't looked to see if they now have upgrades or accessories available now or not.
I think there are some upgrades out there, I think new wheels are a must, other than that its up to you.
I hope to get this soon so I can make it lol
Right on!
I remember this kit as a good ,solid fun build. The fun is in painting and weathering anyway. But, those wheels have to go.
I agree, the painting and weathering on these are fun!
Italery has a “New” kit for the A-20 that is about $60.
I believe the Italeri kit is just a rebox of this kit, I know they managed to get ahold of some of the AMT molds after they went under.