Scale: 1/72

Parts: 76 injection molded styrene

Instructions: Illustrated assembly guide, plus paint/markings and load-out guide; all Japanese

Decals: Waterslide

Molding Quality: 10 - it doesn't get better than this

Detail: 9 - crisp, fine engraving (maybe too fine)

Accuracy: 9 - looks the part

MSRP: 1000 JPY (~$8.30 USD as of 11/2001) available from HobbyLink Japan

Overall Rating: 7 - great for the Valkyrie or your own kitbashing project

Image: Sample sprue

The set consists of two identical sprues that give one a total of:

• Four UUM-7 Micro Missile Pods
• Six RMS-1 Reactor Bombs
• Four AMM-1 Missile racks and
• Two seated pilot figures.

Molding and detail is as near to perfect as one can expect from one of the premiere injection-molded model manufacturers in business today. I literally can't find anything wrong with the parts in the box I bought.

Conclusion

OK, I hate that one has to buy the weapons separate from the kit - but to be fair, that's a sound business strategy on Hasegawa's part. The ordnance definitely enhances the look of the model, in my book: I like my models to be packing heat. Recommended to those who feel likewise.

Hasegawa has also produced a photo-etched detail set to accompany the kits. That's overkill, in my opinion, but you may feel differently. You can check it out here.