Additional Sprue	Ordnance	Canopy details and coaming	Instrument Panels	Seat side detail
Control Columns	Main Wheels

Hawk Progress Update - 19 September, 2002

I have just received samples of the decals and canopy to be included in the new High Planes Models 1/48 BAE Hawk Mk127.

Markings are supplied for numerous aircraft from both No 76 Sqn based at Williamtown NSW and No 79 Sqn based at Pearce in Western Australia. The colours are very accurate and the decals very clear. Decals are provided for the SMDC on the canopy and the dual formation lights. Pilots names for the aircraft are included right down to the small squadron logos next to the name. There is nothing missing on this sheet, and is the best 1/48 sheet for the Aussie MK127 to date.

The canopy is crystal clear having also been moulded by Falcon in New Zealand.

Greg Meggs from High Planes Models has sent an early shot of the fuselage mouldings. These were compared to actual drawings, and to the real aircraft. The fuselage appears to be very accurate and captures the shape well.

A photo of the fuselage halves appears as below:

Below is an image of the horizontal surfaces. A small amount of cleanup was required but the result is impressive. The vortex generators are finely detailed and even have a base plate, as do the formation light brackets near the wing tips. The wing fences have a base plate moulded to the wing and care needs to be taken not to sand this off.

My only disappointment is that the flaps are moulded in the raised position. Hawks always have the flaps in the full down position when parked. The good news is the actuator shrouds are to moulded separately. This will make it easier to cut off and drop the flaps. I will detail this in the build review as there is a horizontal flap vane along the leading edge of the flap.

The wings look very accurate and finely detailed to me.

I have already offered the wing assembly to the fuselage, and the fit appears to be very good so far. We will see what happens when the resin parts arrive!

Further information from High Planes is that the fuselage, wings, and some minor parts will be presented in limited run injection plastic; the cockpit, seats and some other bits will be in resin; and the canopy will be vac form from Falcon.

Decals will be provided for both 76Sqn & 79 Sqn RAAF. 

Hawk 127LIF Data

The Hawk Mk127 is the combination of a 100 series fuselage with a 200 series wing. The main visible difference between the 200 series wing and 100 series wing is the number of wing fences. Greg has left the task of depicting the wing fences to the modeller to make from plastic card due to accuracy and moulding limitations.

A new avionics package with 3 colour multi function displays, an upgraded APU, MK10L ejection seats, onboard oxygen generation, bolt on in-flight refuel probe, and a new rudder linkage system are the main differences to other 100 series Hawks. These changes were made to make the transition to the Hornet easier.

High Planes plans to market the kit the future with different nationality markings to make a number of 100 series Hawks.

Thanks to High Planes Models for the preview samples.

Review Copyright © 2003 by Mick Evans
This Page Created on 05 June, 2002
Last updated 22 July, 2003

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page