1/72 Chinese FBC-1 Flying Leopard

A new 1/72 kit from Trumpeter! I actually had to look this one up, as I'd never heard of the FBC-1. Also known as the JH-7, this is an indigineous Chinese design, although it shows Russian influence in some areas. Only a handful were built and given to the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force, which uses them in the anti-shipping role. A big, heavy, underpowered aircraft, it will probably continue to languish in relative obscurity until finally replaced by Flankers.

Still, Trumpeter has seen fit to give us a kit of this airplane, so those interested in obscure types or Chinese aviation can fill a hole in their collections with a kit from a mainstream manufacturer! Molded in gray plastic, this kit resembles an Italeri release. Panel lines are recessed and perhaps a bit heavy. Cockpit detail is very basic, consisting of a tub, aft bulkhead, two non-descript seats and control sticks, and instrument panels with an entire 5 gauges molded in. Perhaps Chinese pilots don't need anything more than airspeed, altitude, attitude, heading and fuel indicators....

Also included are 3 drop tanks, 2 AAMs and 2 ASMs. Control surfaces are molded separately. Decals are included for one aircraft, but extra numbers mean you could assemble your own numbers to build a different aircraft if you wish. The instructions call for an overall silver scheme, but photos suggest either light gray or white.