1:48 F-CK-1D “CHING-KUO” WHITE BOX VER.

Freedom Model Kits 1:48 F-CK-1D Ching-Kuo, the White Box release

An injection-molded plastic kit of the two-seat version of the F-CK-1 in 1:48 scale. The letter D corresponds to the form with a tandem cockpit, and White Box in the name designates a release in a plainly done white package. The extent of the contents may differ from the other releases of the same subject, so reckon with the possibility that extras such as masks or photo-etched parts will have to be bought separately.

The real subject

The two-seat form of the F-CK-1 came about for training crews and for tasks where a second crew member is useful. Compared with the single-seat version it has a lengthened canopy and a modified fuselage spine, while the rest of the structure stays the same: a pair of jet engines, a wing with pronounced extensions at the root and an air intake split into two ducts.

Building and painting tips

With a two-seat cockpit it pays to work in stages: finish both seats and instrument panels first, and only then glue the tub into the fuselage. The long canopy has a lot of frames, so masking takes more time than on the single-seat version; spray the frames with the interior color first and only then with the exterior shade. Glue the clear parts with a glue intended for canopies, because ordinary glue for plastic will fog the clear plastic. Let the gloss clear coat cure properly before the decals, otherwise the coat will wrinkle under the pressure of a squeegee.

Who the model is for

• Modelers who want the two-seat version next to the single-seat one as a pair.
• Builders who enjoy working on a cockpit interior.
• Those interested in equipment of less usual operators.
• Those who are happy with a plain package and buy extras separately.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.