Trumpeter 1/144 YF-23
This is my completed Trumpeter YF-23. I purchased this kit for another project, but I needed a buffer video in my YouTube channel and I had this kit on hand. Overall, the kit was alright. The cockpit was a high point for me- after all, not many 1/144 fighter aircraft have a detailed cockpit, let alone a multi-part ejection seat. There are some fit issues other places on the kit, but nothing too damaging.
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The only gripe I've got with the kit involves the decals. What was present was fine- they conformed nicely, went down well, and had no silvering. However, for whatever reason, Trumpeter has decided not to include the other six decals necessary to finish the stabilizer. The YF-23, insignia, and blue band should be present on all four surfaces- however, trumpeter only provides you with two.
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I had an extra base lying around, so I decided to put this on a base. Additionally, this gave me an out so that I didn't have to try and squeeze any nose weight into the fuselage. Otherwise, the base is simply pieces of cardboard glued down. The terrain is slightly carved foam, which I then sanded, covered with fine sand, and painted.
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Overall, it's a fairly competent kit. The missing decals are disappointing, but if you don't care too much about that, then this is an easy and quick $5 build of an interesting aircraft.
