This set of US Navy Aircraft from World War Two includes 3 large aircraft sprues, all molded out of grey plastic. Each sprue has 4 aircraft sub-sprues; two of FM-2 Wildcats, and one each of TBF-1C Avengers, and SBD-5 Dauntless' for a total of twelve aircraft in this kit.

The panel line detail are sharp and extensive, and the landing gear for each airplane look great.

The horizontal stabilizers are modeled separately from the fuselage, and do not appear to have any sort of positive-locator. Check your references to insure your tail surfaces have the correct angle, and are aligned properly.

There are 2 of these sub-sprues per larger aircraft sprue, giving you 6 total of these aircraft in this kit. The general shape of these planes is good, and Hasegawa has modeled the higher tail of the FM-2 Wildcat well.

There are 2 variants of the lower fuselage/wing root areas; modeler's will have to decide before beginning construction if they wish to model each Wildcat with the wings folded or extended.

Only one Avenger is included per, giving you only three TBF's in this kit. Like the FM-2, you have a folded wing option that requires the use of different lower fuselage. Interestingly, there is an internal hollow molded in the belly on both pieces; perhaps some intrepid modelers will build one with the doors open, and a tiny mk 13 torpedo being loaded!

As with the Avenger, only one SBD is included per sprue, three total in the set. As the Dauntless did not have folding wings, there is only the full wing option included. The Dauntless also comes with a single bomb for ordnance.

Hasegawa has placed all the clear parts, in this case the canopies, all on one sprue. The TBF canopy includes the turret, and has some great detail present. The FM-2 and SBD canopies are pretty basic, as befitting the simple shape they had. Each canopy has a raised section for the sliding portion- a nice touch. US Navy Carrier Based Aircraft Set.

The set include the markings necessary for Composite Squadron VC-10 on board USS Gambier Bay CVE-73 during her short life in 1944, as well as a variety of markings with Stars and Bars from different era's and carriers during the war.

A double-sided multi-fold sheet of instructions is included, with painting and decaling directions taking up the bulk of the sheet.

With the many different choices of US Navy aircraft carriers now available, there is always a need for additional aircraft to complete each carrier's airgroup. While Hasegawa's set is intended to inhance the Gambier Bay kit, these aircraft would make a fine addition to any aircraft carrier model.

Thanks to Great Planes Model Distributorsfor the review sample. It is listed as #72147 1/350 US Navy Carrier-Based Aircaft Set with a MSRP of $29.95 US. Great Planes is the exclusive US importer for Hasegawa.