Review Summary
The reviews highlight a mix of appreciation and challenges with this bi-plane model kit, noting its appealing design and unique amphibious features, as well as its fit within WWII and specific service collections like the USCG. While the kit offers decent detail in areas like the engine and decals, and assembles relatively well for some, others faced issues with warped parts, poor fit, excessive flash, and the need for significant sanding or putty to address gaps. Building the dual wings and aligning struts proved particularly difficult, though the end result is often described as rewarding and worth the effort.
A Modified J2F Duck
A rather large model for a bi-plane, the kit goes together rather nicely. Little need for putty to fill seams on the fuselage. Some sanding was needed to smooth out the join lines. The cockpit detail is sparse. Pilots are two well molded torsos and need to be replaced if possible. Careful painting of the pilots will make them acceptable. A full cockpit canopy which includes a rear facing gun is supplied.
The engine detail is wonderful. The pistons are well molded and you get the exhaust ring that is clear visible behind the engine cowl. Propeller stencils are included.
The alignment of the top wing is problematic. I recommend rigging the model beforehand as the box art and directions gives a good idea where the wires go. Aligning the struts to the wings is a bit of a challenge but Pro-weld will alleviate many issues. For rigging, I used a 0.20 gauge music wire cut to size and glued using white tacky glue. Exhaust staining achieved through slight application of Tamiya pastels. I built my model in flight. I had to cut a slot for the borrowed stand and created a cover for where the landing gear would have extended. No parts to do this are supplied with the kit. I used alternate decals for a plane in U.S.M.C. markings.
lets hear it for retreads
Glencoe models. Glencoe Avenue in Venice California was the home address of Revell when I was a kid; became aware of Glencoe a couple of decades later, when they started showing up with unpopular kits in the 70's/80's, like the Hiller tilt rotor, among others, that were Revell kits at an earlier time. Ex, employees taking over the Venice address when Revell moved? Something to look into. I am beginning to run out of American WWII aircraft to build, and am glad to see older kits reissued by new companies; I have warmed to them; their old style plastic material, their old style instructions, like Hawk, Lindberg, etc.
Anyway , here I have this Duck. This is a great old kit, of an obscure but classic plane. The kit is primitive, yet with a surprising level of details, like the wing and pontoon mounts. It needed some putty (mine had a warped fuselage halves) and sanding, but other went together well It offers four different versions, with excellent decals for each, and good instructions on painting them. Three of the four versions are readily available online; they are dead on. Like all biplanes (at least for me) putting the pair of wings on is a pain and a half, but what a fun kit! lets hear it for retreads, and odd ducks
J2F2 Duck
This kit is a gem. It is not super high tech. Thank goodness, for biplanes are hard enough just tackling the wings. Photos of this plane has prompted me to buy & do multiples for schemes & themes. Murphy's war, with Peter O'toole. Prewar paint schemes & catapult projects. A beautiful aircraft & a really nice kit. What a modeler friendly price for what you get. As a collector of float & amphibious aircraft,...Bingo!
