1/144 Minicraft KC-135E

Gallery Article by Gerd Wilcken on Mar 30 2015

 

      

The Boeing KC -135 Stratotanker was developed as a tanker in the 1950s for the United States Air Force (USAF). It replaced the Boeing KC- 97 Tanker. In addition to air refueling it is also used for transporting cargo and troops. It is a subtype based on the C-135 family (Boeing 707 / Boeing 367-80). In 1954, initially as an interim solution, the US Air Force ordered a total of 732 units of the type KC-135A.  Since then, the model has been widely converted and equipped with modern turbofan engines. (by Wikipedia)

 

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"Where there is light , there is shadow”

After the announcements of Minicraft, to bring the KC -135 on the market, I was very happy. For a modeler with a focus on 1/144 she is a long-awaited kit.

The high priced kit by Minicraft, who has been with the addition of "All New Tooling”, fortunately for all modelers is not based on the “old” Minicraft B707, was new designed. Unfortunately in my opinion, Minicraft has missed the chance to make a real good cell of the B 707. “New Tooling”-Kits are out by Revell and Airfix - for example - with perfect results.

All parts are indeed sprayed clean -unfortunately far too many thick sprues – and some very nice engraved and detailed parts. Comparisons with the original - to see some of them even on the cover of the kit - quickly shows the shortcomings. The cockpit is not available! Why Minicraft engraved the backside of fright- and entry-door and leaves the trunk completely empty? Are they waiting – with us - for the “after-Market”? While the nose as a whole is correct this time, the engraved glass parts of the the cockpit windows are not correct. Here Decals are needed. Those who accompanied the kit, are also useless. The rear cockpit windows have a straight top line with the other windows, and the eyebrows Windows are completely wrong. The transition from the pulpit glass part of the fuselage is too shallow and must be corrected with putty.

The engine exhausts are much too thick and must be drilled. In the transition to the wings filler is also necessary. Before the tank boom Minicraft has completely forgotten the windows and the hatch for the boom operator. The reinforcement rings in the rear part of the fuselage are much too thick and must be sanded.

The decals are made by Cartograf on the famous light blue paper and brings the basics. Unfortunately, stencils and details missing.

Two Variations:

  • KC- 135E Kansas Air National Guard

  • KC- 135E "Tiger Meet 2004, Schleswig - Jagel AFB, Germany" New Jersey Air National Guard

The build itself was easy. Therefore I live in Germany in the county of Schleswig-Holstein, where Schleswig AFB is, it was no question to build the Tiger Meet KC-135. I used Xtracrylix XA1158 (FS 16173) with a little white. On original photos I saw only very light weathering traces on the plane, which I try to reproduce on the model.

Conclusion:
A long awaited kit, however, with a relatively high price. I would have expected more. Minicraft now announced the other KC -135 variations. Hopefully it comes with some changes.

Gerd Wilcken

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Photos and text © by Gerd Wilcken