Italeri 1/48 North American Harvard Mk.IIa - Inbox Review

[Dave Ward]

Italeri - Italian mainstream manufacturer - but the moulds for this model originated with Ocidental Réplicas - as far as I know, the only Portuguese maker! It was originally released in 1998 as a Texan, then as a Harvard in 2000. Italeri released this version in 2014. It's unusual in that it has colour profiles in the instructions, not normal for Italeri - but given the decal sheet, totally worth it!


Nice boxart..................

Sprue shots

Simple model - there are parts for the Texan variant, which won't be used.

The decal sheet - by Cartograf - 6 marking options


Instructions - A4 folded - line diagrams - look reasonably clear - and those colour profiles


Impressive -
Details & comments in part 2

[Dave Ward]

Detail shots

Parts look good - a few tiny sink marks, but nothing that a dot of filler won't cure. The seatbelts need either replacing, or pilots adding, but otherwise looks a very nice model. One thing that is needed is a canopy paint mask set - the Harvard has extensive glazing & that would be desirable. Colour references to FS & RLM numbers.
The whole layout of this model reminds me of the Classic Airframes models - don't know why.
Every time I open the box on this, I change my mind on which marking version I would choose at the moment it's the Swedish version - next week - who knows?
Availability? pretty rare - getting to be a collectors value item - ebay & pre-owned sites will be the only source, so patience will be needed if you want one ( or have deep pockets )
This model is in the 'to do' pile, so you might see a blog of this.................
Dave

[langy71]

Excellent review Dave,

I used the same model a few years ago to create the Harvard that used to be owned by Gary Numan, .(both myself and my wife are huge fans of his),

https://www.t6harvard.com/uk-harvards/g-azsc/

[Isitme]

Dave, very true it is the Occidental kit, except in their kit you had the option of clear or blue tinted canopy.

[The Smythe Meister]

Yep,nice review Dave :thumb2: ,
Looks an interesting Plane..... There`s something about that boxart too!!
Andy

[Jim R]

Hi Dave
Another excellent review of what looks to be a very nice kit.
A question please. There's probably a simple answer but I can't figure it out :rolling:
"Why do manufacturers sell their moulds to another company? Surely if the model is still saleable why not keep producing it themselves?"
Some model moulds have be passed through a few manufacturers and are presumably still selling.
Jim

[Dave Ward]

Hi Dave
Another excellent review of what looks to be a very nice kit.
A question please. There's probably a simple answer but I can't figure it out :rolling:
"Why do manufacturers sell their moulds to another company? Surely if the model is still saleable why not keep producing it themselves?"
Some model moulds have be passed through a few manufacturers and are presumably still selling.
Jim

Jim,
I guess financial reasons ( going bust being the worst! ), but I'm sure there are other possibilities ( like joint ownership of the moulds. Makers like Revell like to produce 'new' models & they don't have the capability/cash to develop the number that they want - hence acquiring the moulds, or paying for a production run to be boxed under their name...................... ( the original owners probably are happy to get income from moulds sitting in their storerooms! )
Dave