1/48 Kinetic M-346 Master Initial Production

alfredodelpino · July 8, 2024

The kit:

Kinetic 1/48 K48063 is, in a few words, a great model. Good measurements, good fit, with minor details to be filled. I will not go deep into fitting issues because there are no perfect models and we, modelers, are problem solvers. To correct any gap Kinetic should touch the moulding tools which is not financially feasible. I have compared with online photos, and it matches almost perfectly.

Nevertheless, there are some few subjects of concern that can be easily fixed, I chose to build the Initial Production option (metallic red) because it looks like a racing plane. I also wanted to experience what car modelers must deal with high reflective finishes. Here, areas of improving:

a. The experimental pitot is always a nightmare to build but, if Kinetic includes the 176 test number as in the picture, you can pass on building the pitot.

b. Also, notice that nose left formation light in prototype (Metallic blue) and initial Production (Metallic red) is missing (in all of them, no matter what modification was done). Kinetic should include this reference in instructions for at least, sanding off the formation light. It was too late when I realized that.

c. It is worth noticing that Blue prototype has a different landing gear, if you don’t mind knowing that, then it is OK, but if you are the type of modeller that never forgets shortcomings, this takes this option off the table.

d. Decal instructions are also not fully reliable for the Initial Production choice. Decal 53 is misplaced, it should be next to serial number CM X617 in both sides of rear fuselage, it is only depicted on the right side and in the wrong place.

e. Decals 146 and 147 are oversized in length, easily fixable by trimming them but it could have been avoid with better QC.

f. Decals 52 and 60 are only depicted in Prototype (blue) but should be in Initial Production (red) as well.

g. Decals 61 are missing in instruction sheet.

h. PE 1 parts, too complicated to attach to building, I replaced them with styrene.

i. And last, MIG color choice… I have a strong preference to avoid acrylics for airbrushing, I used Mr. Color GX202 instead. As with every color shade, it depends on lighting but what I can not stand is the granularity of some acrylics.

j. The shinny finish is Gunze GX112 Gloss UV coat, two thick coats and then sanded with 6000 grit sponges and finished with Tamiya compound fine. In some photos it looks grainny, but it is not, it is the metal particles in paint and awful lamp angle.

I hope you like my post. Highly recommended for everyone who wants a break of weathered models-