1:20 Hawker Hurricane Mk.I (Douglas Bader) RADIO CONTROL

Microaces

This isn't a review. It's really just a first look at the box contents for Microaces new 1:20 RC kit. This one has been a long time coming as it was a pre-order. As I'd already built an RC trainer to fly this summer, this seemed well timed. Alas, my head injury stopped my summer flying plan, so this one will be assembled a little further down the line. My pre-order included a free 7-channel receiver, which was definitely an incentive. This is the second of Microaces Master series kits. The first one is an Albatros D.V/a, which I do intend to get at some stage. The core of the aircraft is 2mm foam with a few thin ply elements, and all is then sheathed in a printed and weathered Hurricane skin. Of course, there's a whole raft of other bits and pieces, so we'll take a look.

This Quickstart guide is essentially a booklet of parts maps for each sheet and component included, plus some very handy tips on paint for various 3D parts. No instruction manual is included as each stage is currently being carefully created for the Microaces YouTube channel. This is a relatively complex build, so each video will focus on individual elements of the build.

I've not included a sheet-by-sheet set of photos of the 2mm foam parts. There are SEVEN sheets of laser-cut parts here which go to create the extremely lightweight core of this model kit. For gluing these parts, any many others in the kit, Deluxe Materials' FOAM2FOAM is recommended. This can be use as regular glue, but also has contact adhesive properties if you let both surfaces dry before final contact. All foam sheets are protected in a clear sleeve. A laser-cut sheet of polyester sheet is also included.

Tyvek is a relatively new material, and not one I've ever used before. It's very lightweight, thin, and of course printable. The Hurricane has various curves, such as fin, rudder, stabiliser edges etc. It's highly recommended that you use ball stylus tools that you can roll around various edges, angling as you go to create the correct curve...and to further thin out any white edges you might see. Microaces does sell their own set of stylus tools, and I took the opportunity to order a set with my kit pre-order. There are TWELVE sheets of Tavel included in this kit.

Two sheets of 0.8mm ply is included. Apart from the wing ribs, a lot of the other parts are concerned with the forward fuselage, for building the removable upper cowl and the engine/servo/battery bay within.

Control surface connection points are served with a length of carbon fibre tube, helping to also give rigidity to those assemblies. A thin laser-cut plastic sheet is included, containing such things as control horns, hinges etc. The other items you see here are bearings for wheels, magnets (for upper cowl), piano wire linkages, Lead strip is also included to help trim the centre of gravity.

Whilst you can order the Hurricane as an 'airframe only' option, it is recommended you buy the electronics pack that is suited to it. After all, it only costs £31 extra and is well worth the value. The pack contents list can clearly be seen on the box lid. My contents photos also shows the 7-channel receiver that is suited to my Spektrum NX8+ DSM2/X protocol.

There are THREE cages of 3D-printed parts. When removed, these are lightweight and the detail looks excellent. This top cage contains the pilot, exhaust manifolds, and the small chin air scoop, among other items. Printing quality is excellent. There is a little deformation in the cages due to packing, but the parts are unaffected.

The last 3D parts are these rubberised wheels. With this kit, you can use the undercarriage and fly the Hurricane from standing, or you can unplug the gear and hand launch your model etc. That's entirely up to the builder. At least that's what I believe at this time. For me, I'd want to hand launch anyway, without u/c. I would only use that for display.

Some parts simply have to be produced in clear vac form format. These include the belly radiator, canopy, lower cowl, spinner and wingtips. Nine parts in total. There is still film on these which needs to be removed, maintaining that clear appearance needed for the canopy.

Now, this set is not included with the kit. This was an extra that only costs £15. This is needed to roll and curve those compound surfaces. You'd struggle to build this kit without the aid of these.

So, there it is. I'm absolutely delighted with this kit. I still have a Fokker D.VII to build too, and all of this is a learning curve.

My sincere thanks to Microaces for such a lovely kit. I can't wait to eventually build it. I'll now add some images and a flight video.

That's a nice compact model, James, not so big and unwieldy... curious how this puts together. 🙂

Intersting use for Tyvek. It's been around for many years in commercial applications. If you've ever tried to tear off an tag that is attached to a product by a wire or cord and it won't tear - that's Tyvek. Feels like paper or card, but it's not!

That looks like a lot of fun!!!