Well, the shine wore off quickly!
Comparing the Trumpeter kit to my unbuilt Monogram Dragonfly, I see that the shape outlines are nearly identical but then there are the differences:
Trumpeter | Scribed panel lines | Nice weapons load | PE included |
Monogram | Excellent pilot figures | Better detail in the cockpit | Correct raised details |
Quilted walls on Monogram kit become tiles(!) on Trumpeter.
Chines are longer on the Trumpeter kit, Monogram is better here...
Raised riveting is correct.
Let's compare the aileron leading edges. This is Trumpeter...
Here is Monogram's. Guess which is correct? I could do without those huge slots for the pylons.
Once I scribe in the panel lines, I prefer Monogram's rendition. Also note that the engine exhaust is correctly uncovered on the American kit. The plate on the Chinese kit belongs to the T-37 with the smaller engine.
Monogram's upper wing on the Trumpeter lower wing.
Trumpeter's upper wing on Monogram's lower wing. Yes, the logo must go!
Monogram's single point refueling probe. Note, while it can be used for air-to-air refueling, most countries simply refuel both tanks at once using this with a fuel truck.
Trumpeter's is fine in detail but the 'hump' is wrong.
Regards,