Monogram 1/72 Boeing F4B-4
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First released as a blue box (BB) kit in 1968 as PA209-70 this kit was
an example of Monogram at its best. While cranking out what were basically
toys with working gimmicks in 1/48 scale, with this jewel-like miniature
along with its F11C and P-6E stable mates Monogram set a new standard
for plastic kits that's only been recently surpassed. The kit has only
been issued two other times, once as part of PA216-150 with the two models
mentioned above, and as 6795 by itself in 1973.
 The
model consists of 25 cleanly-molded gray parts and a clear plastic windscreen.
There's also a nice two-piece stand (mine is missing), good instructions,
and a comprehensive decal sheet.
 The
kit's only real drawback is its utter lack of interior detail other than
a decal instrument panel. Admittedly not much could be seen if the excellent
pilot figure were installed but it would have been nice to have at least
a basic floor, seat, and control stick. Still, it would be relatively
simple to cobble up something from the spares box or even scratchbuild
a simple cockpit.
The remainder of the kit is absolutely super. The engraved surface detail
is raised but in this case it mostly should be anyway, and it's exquisite.
The engine and prop are works of art, and the rib detail on the flying
surfaces just right. Even the requisite ejection pin marks are on the
lower surfaces and are very restrained and easy to remove. The cabane
struts are molded with the fuselage halves, a first in this scale, ensuring
proper wing alignment, and all struts are molded as near to scale as practical.
This unique kit design makes Monogram's 1/72 interwar bipes an ideal introduction
to biplane model-building.
 The
decals in my kit are a bit yellowed but surprisingly thin and would probably
still be usable after bleaching in sunlight for a few days; oddly the
white areas aren't discolored. Assembly instructions are very good, including
detail painting tips, and decal placement diagrams consisting of photos
of a completed model.
 It's
somewhat surprising that neither this kit nor its siblings have been released
since 1973; the set of three in one box would seem to have been ideal
for the Selected Subjects Program. It would be a real shame if the tooling
has been lost or damaged since no other kits have been released to replace
these three interwar fighters. John Burns' PAK-20 values this first issue
kit at 6 - 10 dollars and the 1973 release at 3 - 6 dollars so it shouldn't
be either too difficult or expensive to pick one or more up at a swap
meet or on eBay. All are highly recommended!
Until next month, "Build what YOU like, the way YOU want to",
above all have fun, and be sure to visit Al's Place while you're surfing
the 'Net!
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