KASL Hobby F-35A/B Tail Set

[AnthonyWan]

*Note, I will not be commenting on the accuracy of parts, just commenting on what I see in the set I was provided! :)*

KASL Hobby is a fairly new company founded in 2009 and based in Taiwan. They specialize in detail sets and accessories for 1/48 modern jet aircraft. Utilizing the latest precision molding and casting techniques, they pride themselves on producing some of the finest detail sets on the market – for a variety of unique subjects.

For the Kittyhawk F-35 kits, KASL have released a full resin replacement cockpit set (K48032), an intake/turbine driveshaft set (K48043), and the tail set (K48044) seen in this review. Having spoken with the KASL development team, they are also considering future sets to replace the engine exhaust area (which is just a gaping hole with no detail on the kit) among many other ideas.

This set is a great example of the standard of detail that KASL strives for – the pieces are beautifully cast in light gray resin with minimal pour stubs and excellent surface detail. The four pieces included replace the two vertical tails and the two horizontal stabilizers from the kit. Cleanup should be minimal as pour stubs are limited to the non-seen mounting surfaces of the parts with small mold tabs on the end tips of the pieces to snip off.

On the original kit, Kittyhawk chose to mold these pieces with a large outer piece and a smaller insert piece that had to be fitted into the backside. Even with the best cleanup and parts preparation, this would create a seam that would require cleanup and restoration of the rivet and panel details.

As part of my review sample parts, KASL also included an ejection seat from the K48032 cockpit set. The quality of casting and level of detail on this piece is crisp and should look fantastic with some paint and a good dry-brushing. Please note that the K48044 F-35A/B Tail Set does not normally come with a seat. No word right now on whether it will be available as a separate item or only with the K48032 F-35B Cockpit Set.

For more information, KASL do maintain a Facebook page showcasing their entire line of sets as well as in-progress development photos of upcoming sets (the F-35 sets are seen here along with a build-up of the Kittyhawk kit). You can access the page here: https://www.facebook.com/KASLHOBBY

To order from them, there are a few options:

If you’re on Facebook, a private message to them will usually receive a response within a couple of days. Payment will be done via PayPal and they ship fast, provided that the items you want are in stock. Once shipped, delivery time can vary depending on where you are, so please be patient. My review sample parts took a little more than a week to arrive in the US.

Another option is their Shop2000 web-store, but it also in Chinese: http://www.shop2000.com.tw/KASLHOBBY/. Most web browsers should be able to translate this into your preferred language.

Finally, they recently established a connection with Hobby Easy, which is in English and can convert prices into your preferred currency.

The KASL page is here: http://www.hobbyeasy.com/en/category/AIR12345678/20/1/maker/KASL.html%22

I personally don’t have any experience ordering from Hobby Easy, but others have given them good comments.

Enjoy~

[foxmulder_ms]

Looks impressive.

[FAR148]

Great review. Glad somebody came to the recuse. Don't know what Kitty hawk was thinking when they made those parts. Makes me wonder when it comes to quality control, do company sit down and try to build their kits before releasing it?

Edited November 11, 2013 by FAR148

[randypandy831]

[Bigasshammm]

Damn where were these 2 weeks ago?

That cockpit set is beyond beautiful btw.

[Wolfgun33]

Nice!!! I'll be getting those for my kit!

[RedHeadKevin]

Any idea if or when KASL will have more of these tail kits in stock?