Czech Model 1/48 Beech T-34C-1 Turbo Mentor |  | Background Developed as an evolutionary version of the T-34A and T-34B Mentors, the T-34C featured a turboprop engine that gave students turbine experience at a fraction of the cost of operating a TA-4J Skyhawk or T-2C Buckeye. The T-34C also drew interest from overseas customers as they also needed an inexpensive way to train their future fighter pilots. In addition, many air forces outside of the US operate armed trainers to serve as counter insurgency (COIN) aircraft. Beech developed a COIN version of the Turbo Mentor dubbed T-34C-1. Equipped with four external pylons, the T-34C-1 could carry rocket pods and/or small gun pods. Many Latin American air forces operate the T-34C-1 today. The Kit This is a multimedia kit, with the fuselage, wings, tail, and landing gear molded in light gray injection-molded styrene. The cockpit tub, seats, nosewheel well, and engine exhaust ducts are cast in resin by True Details. The canopies (thankfully two are provided) are vacuformed. This is the same kit that we reviewed in the December 2002 issue but with an extra resin parts pack containing four detailed underwing pylons, four nice rocket pods and a different set of main wheels and nose gear strut. Markings While this review sample was missing its decals (Squadron provides excellent customer service in cases like this), markings are provided for two examples: -
T-34C-1, Armanda de Argentina (Argentine Navy) -
T-34C-1, Moroccan Air Force Conclusion The release of the T-34C was a welcome addition as this airplane is a favorite of mine. With the addition of the T-34C-1 to the line-up, a wide variety of color schemes that are not white and orange are now available to the modeler. This kit is highly recommended! My sincere thanks to Squadron for this review sample! | 
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