Special Hobby – 72203 – F-82H Twin Mustang “Alaskan All Weather Fighter”

Description:

Special Hobby has reissued its 1/72 scale kit of the North American F-82H Twin Mustang, specifically in the “Alaskan All-Weather Fighter” variant. This rare and distinctive twin-fuselage aircraft was one of the last piston-engine fighters used by the U.S. Air Force, primarily designed for long-range escort missions and later adapted for cold-weather interception roles in Alaska.

Special Hobby is known for producing short-run kits with a higher level of detail than mainstream manufacturers, and this F-82H reissue follows that trend. The molding is clean with finely recessed panel lines that add a realistic touch to the model. The cockpit interiors are well-detailed for a 1/72 scale kit, with individual instrument panels and seats that can be further enhanced with careful painting.

The clear canopy parts are thin and provide good transparency, but some careful masking will be needed for an accurate finish. The kit includes resin and photo-etched parts, which allow for extra detailing, particularly in the cockpit and landing gear areas.

As with many short-run kits, some extra effort may be required to achieve a perfect fit. The fuselage halves align well, but minor sanding and dry-fitting are recommended to avoid issues during assembly. The wing and landing gear attachment points are adequate, though some reinforcement with additional glue may be necessary.

Since this is a twin-fuselage aircraft, ensuring correct alignment is crucial for a balanced final result. Modelers with some experience in resin and photo-etched parts will find this kit rewarding, though beginners might face some challenges.

The decals provided in this reissue focus on the Alaskan Air Command units, reflecting the F-82H’s role in cold-weather operations during the early Cold War period. The quality of the decals is good, with sharp print resolution and minimal excess film. Special Hobby has included accurate color callouts, ensuring that modelers can achieve an authentic finish. Includes 4 different markings.

Pros:

• Unique and rare subject in 1/72 scale
• Fine recessed panel lines and good overall detail
• Resin and photo-etched parts for added realism
• Interesting historical background with Alaskan markings

Cons:

• Short-run kit means some fit issues may require extra work
• Alignment of twin fuselages can be tricky
• Some experience with resin and PE parts is recommended

The Special Hobby 1/72 F-82H Twin Mustang is a fantastic addition for modelers interested in rare and unusual aircraft. Its historical significance and distinctive design make it a compelling build, though it requires some extra care due to its short-run nature. If you are an experienced modeler looking for a rewarding challenge, this kit is a great choice. However, beginners may find the assembly process demanding due to fit adjustments and additional detailing work.

Overall, this is a well-detailed and highly interesting kit that fills a niche in 1/72 scale aircraft modeling.