Vector | 1/32nd R-2800 Type A/B (Early)

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner, Jr.

No other engine in World War II was more important than the Pratt and Whitney R-2800. It powered the P-47 Thunderbolt, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, P-61 Black Widow, B-26 Marauder, and A-26 Invader to victory. Now with this release from Vector you can replicate it in a whole new scale, 1/32nd.

Cast in a light gray resin the quality of the castings is extremely good, actually the best that I've ever seen. The level of detail is extraordinary. You are provided with the three different types of magnetos that powered this engine. Minimal pour blocks and intelligent parts breakdown makes this set a winner. It is not for the beginner though. There is so much detail that this is actually a kit by itself.

There are no color instructions, but you would check your references anyway so this is really not a big issue.

This model gives you everything from cylinder heads, magnetos, crankcase, heat shields, reduction gears, accessory gearbox, ignition harness, pushrods and exhaust. There isn't anything they have forgotten. Well they actually don't give you the ignition harness, but wait there is more.

The price and level of quality make this kit a great value and for a limited time when you order you also get a free 6-foot length of detail solder with every engine you order. Now you can plumb the engine and it won't take 6 feet so there will plenty left over for you to work with on landing gear and cockpits.

You can obtain your copy of this and the other engines available (currently 14 1/72nd, 19 1/48th and 3 in 1/32nd) from Buffie's Best at http://www.buffiesbest.com. They have the exclusive distribution rights in the US for the entire Vector line.

I highly recommend this kit for its level of detail, quality of casting and overall value. It will add tremendous detail to your large-scale model or as a model in itself.

Thanks to Buffie's Best for the review copy.

© Floyd S. Werner, Jr. 2006

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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016