Anigrand Craftswork 1/72 Northrop YF-17 Cobra

Review by Steve Jantscher
 

Kit Summary

Catalog Number:	ANIG-7223
Resin Quality:	A
Decal Quality:	B
Instructions Quality:	B

Once again Anigrand gives us a kit of an aircraft that hasn't been kitted before. In this instance they present us with the YF-17, Northrop's contribution to the Lightweight Fighter fly-off competition. While the YF-16 won the competition, and later went onto fame as the F-16 Falcon jet fighter, the YF-17 was relegated to research and retirement. The US Navy showed some interest in the aircraft for carrier use. The much modified aircraft that eventually emerged (the F/A-18 Hornet) bears only a slight system commonality to the YF-17. The engineers at McDonald Douglas were told to make a suitable carrier aircract that looked as much as possible to the YF-17. But that's another story for another day.

This is about the fourth or fifth Anigrand kit that I have had the pleasure of handling. I believe their quality has been improving, and this is the first kit from them in which I haven't found obvious quality control casting issues. Perhaps I'm being somewhat persnickety, as limited run resin kits are often excused from quality concerns due to their "specialness" as subject matter. I don't necessarily buy that argument. for the price we are asked to spend on these kits, they ought to be well cast at a minimum. This example from Anigrand is the first where i have no major issues with the casting. the only items of note are the standard (for all resin kits) of pour plugs and light flash. I am impressed by the Anigrands master maker. The complex shape of the prototype is captured quite well (to my eye) and will make up into a handsome addition to one's modeling shelf.

The cockpit is quite simple, and could use some "gizmology" in the form of a flat instrument panels (decal maybe). The vac-formed canopy is quite clear. The ejection seat is pretty simple, and is a good candidate for an aftermarket substitute, but is not necessary. The paint scheme is a handsome silver with black trim. The decals are simple and functional.

Overall, I think this is a real nice kit, and should make up into a great looking model of an overlooked pivitol aircraft. this is perhaps the best Anigrand model I've seen so far.
 

This kit fills an important gap. It shouldn't require too much work to turn out an excellent replica.