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Last month though, fans of anything built by Grumman caught a glimpse of Trumpeter’s Albatross at the All-Japan Model Show although, none of the kit’s sprues were displayed behind it unlike the Intruder, Skywarrior and Skyraider.

It has always been a favorite modeling subject because so many countries used so many variants of the Albatross hence color-schemes abound and modifications to the basic airframe have always given fans countless hours of modeling fun. Recently, even airframes on display have been bought up and restored back to flying condition so even younger modelers have developed an attachment to the Albatross.

Last Saturday, IPMS Philippines was sent a test shot of the kit and its features are a revelation. This description of the kit’s parts will end with a partial quick-build to determine dimensions, fit and over-all contours. A build-review will follow.

Sprues “A” and “B”

• Forward Fuselage Halves
• Aft fuselage halves
• Cabin Bulkheads
• Flight Deck Floor
• Wing Ribs

The actual Albatross’ fuselage was built in 8 major parts and the kit’s fuselage break reflects the joint at the step. The engraved panel line, rivets and overlapping wing and fin fillets are very accurate. JATO attachment points around the aft cabin doors are well-molded while those on the starboard side even include Photo-etched parts. The inside surfaces do not show any structural details nor lining texture though the flight-deck floors have seat mount/rails and foot channels.

Sprues “C” and “D”

• Outer Wing Panels

These panels span the distance between just outboard of the engine nacelles to the wingtips. Mounts for the various radio reflectors, homing antennae and tip floats are present while flaps and ailerons are obviously separate pieces. There also ribs present where the lowered flaps will expose them and the trailing edges of the wings that fair the aileron into the wing are very thin and accurately portray the frise-type ailerons’ plan-form. Wing-tip and landing lights will undoubtedly be provided separately in clear styrene.

The only inaccuracy is in the leading edge slots. The leading edges inside the slots are flat and wedge-like when they should be round and continuations of the curvature of the airfoil. The slot’s exit on top of the wing is the right distance from the leading edge but the entrance below should be closer to the leading edge.

Sprue “E”

• Rudder Halves
• Nose-Radome
• Rudder Trim Tab
• Flaps

The separate trim tab is a welcome feature (seldom seen even in larger scales) since modelers can give their model an even more candid appearance than a deflected rudder can by itself. The multi-piece flap is accurate in showing some half-ribs, and even when fully deployed, the incomplete number of half-ribs will not be visible. The separate, nose of the fuselage with the radome molded on will facilitate weight addition even at later stages of construction. Another bonus to this design will be the ease of converting your Albatross to a civil version with clear radomes, illuminating plush sleeping quarters. An example of this is installed on TP Aero Albatross’ “Bathing Beauty” (N98TP).

The only down-side here is that the rudder’s ribs are represented by engraved instead of raised lines to simulate the fabric-covered aluminum rudder frame.

Sprue “F”

• Stabilizer Halves
• Aileron Halves
• Elevator Halves

The elevators lack any raised rib detail but are better off than the rudder because Grumman’s airfoil downwind of the hinge line has straight surfaces which tend to subdue ribs and inter-rib fabric catenaries. The elevator tabs are molded deflected here but modelers can interchange them (like the real aircraft) to pose them trimmed “up” or “down”.

The Ailerons bring a third depiction (possibly confusion on the part of researchers) of the fabric-covered control surfaces – the ribs are represented by rivet rows. On the plus side though, their airfoils are very accurate and the hinges look very convincing too. This time, both the trim tab and the ground-adjustable tabs are molded in the neutral position.

Sprue “G”

• Cabin Ceiling
• Nose Gear Assembly and Wheel Rims
• Main Gear Leg Doors
• Life Raft Access Door.
• Cabin and Flight-deck floor

The floor and ceiling lack details like lights, tie-down points and seat/stretcher attachment points although the fact will not be readily apparent on a finished model. The nose landing gear is beautifully detailed and includes all braces, retraction struts, springs and door tie-rods of the real thing. My only concern here is its strength in light of all the weight the model will need to sit on its nose (although the real Albatross is supplied with a rod to prop up its tail when off-loading cargo to the rear of its CG…I can’t seem to find one issued with this kit)

Sprue “H”

• Wing Center section
• Engine Nacelle Fairings

The wing break at station 164, depicted in Grumman Drawings published in Steve Ginter’s book, is where Trumpeter decided to cut its wing apart also which will make offering a long-winged version cheaper because the kits will share this sprue. To give more hope to that wish, the separate engine nacelle fairings might indicate that the up-engined Japanese and Canadian versions will also be offered. The very thin ventral cowl flaps are molded open and the Oil-cooler exit ramps are separate parts.

The smaller hole in the center section is described as the life-raft access. The door is present but I couldn’t find the life-raft nor its enclosure in any of the sprues provided. The bigger hole is the top-loading cargo hatch which should provide a fold-away ladder in its ceiling recess. Though the ladder isn’t present, uncovered, the hole provides a welcome view into the cabin and a lot of diorama possibilities.

Sprue “I”

This sprue was not present (but I fervently pray that it includes everything missing so far)

Sprue “J”

• Main Landing Gear retraction Jacks
• Doors
• Drag Struts
• Hydraulic Reservoir and Plumbing
• Gear Bay Inboard Wall
• Cargo Hatch
• Nose Gear Bay Ceiling, Sides and fore and aft bulkheads

From the angle bar stringers and diamond-shaped gussets to the multiple rivet rows and raised reinforcement plates, the gear bay is surely worthy of its prominent location (not on the dark under-surface of a wing) in full-view of everyone, on the fuselage side. This will complement nicely the almost fully-plumbed hydraulics and belly-up gear door in this assembly. Of course the great detail in the nose gear bay won’t be that visible but I’m not complaining that its there either! Just ream out that hole in the ceiling and follow it through to the cockpit floor and plug it with a short length of clear sprue or white glue to represent the window through which the crew can visually check the nose gear’s position, just in case someone DOES look up there!

Sprue “K”

• Main Landing Gear Struts
• Wing Gear Bays
• Rear Walls
• Flight Deck Ceiling
• Rear Cabin Emergency Hatch and Cabin Dutch Entry Door
• Nose Gear Doors
• Stretcher frames
• Main Wheel rims
• Underwing Pylons

The big omission here is the Throttle Quadrant that is supposed to mount on the forward end of the flight deck ceiling. If its a separate piece, its not on any of the sprues and neither is there a locating pin where it should attach to. The numerous and long levers will be visible (or visibly absent) through the windshield and cockpit windows. The right side should not have a ceiling to give the radio operator access to the radio which is mounted up there to his front and left side.

On the plus side, the main landing gear assembly and bay promise to be a real focal point on this model just as the actual assembly is, on the full-size Albatross. Trumpeter has done justice to this unique part.

Sprue “L”

• Outrigger Float Assemblies
• 150 gallon Drop tanks
• Pilot’s Seat
• Radar Operator’s/ Radio Operator’s seat
• Stores’ Anti-sway braces
• Pitot heads and Radio Altimeter transmitter antenna
• Main Gear Bay bottom braces

The floats are nice 7 piece assemblies. A V-bottom and 2 sides making up the float body assures that all surfaces have equally engraves detail and overlapped skin where required. The separate fore and aft ends have tie-down loops molded into them and the fore end might be easily replaced by the Triphibian (SA-16B-GR) tip skid whether trumpeter decides to provide one or modelers convert one themselves.

The 150 gallon tank and its separate anti-sway braces will add detail though I would have preferred 100 and 200 gallon tanks be included as options. Two of these sprues provide all the pilots’ and equipment operators’ seats in very impressive multi-piece assemblies. Separate cushions will facilitate painting. The triangular pieces with holes in them are braces for the bottom of the main gear bays – and I thought I was through with those masterpieces…

Sprue “M”

• Center Console/Instrument Panel
• Avionics Equipment and Shelves
• Antenna Masts and Probes
• Storage cabinet atop wheel Wells
• Control Columns
• Desk Surfaces
• Cabin Seat
• Litter Posts and Bracing
• DF Loop Housing
• Oil Cooler Outlet Ramp
• Flight Deck escape Hatches

The only things lacking here are the VHF and IFF antennas for the top of the fin and more cabin seats. I was also hoping to find the missing throttle quadrant but no such luck. The center console is also closer to the -B type with chamfered corners than the -A’s square shape.

Other than those omissions, modelers are basically all set up as far as interior and exterior details go and need only to “rig” it with their favorite “wiring” material.

The separate escape hatches will be highly appreciated by us modelers whose armed forces operated the Albatross in the tropics where crews generally used them to ventilate the flight deck when on the ground. Though seldom seen open in colder climates, the kit will still allow a better peak into the cockpit for those who wish to show off any extra detailing (like the wires coming out of all that equipment behind the pilot and/or headphones hanging from the walls).

Sprue “N” and “P”

• Propellers
• Engine Cowling
• Firewall
• Engines

The cylinders are more conical than… well… cylindrical. Although, while obvious on the sprues, assembled inside the cowling with the valve pushrods masking their frontal outlines, it is hardly noticeable. More obvious though is the absence of the oil reservoir for the pitch-reversing mechanism just aft of the propeller hub.

Other than that, the engine is a kit in itself with separate valve housings, oil lines, magnetos and ignition harness ring. There are no exhaust manifolds but the only visible part of the system – the six exhaust pipe ends, are molded into a firewall. I am actually tempted to replace the engines with simpler resin or spares-box engines (tamiya’s Brewster Buffalo’s engine comes to mind) so I can use them in another aircraft where they will be more visible (my Monogram Trojan comes to mind).

Sprue “Q” was not present

Sprue “R” (Clear Parts)

• Flight Deck Enclosure
• Cabin Windows
• Navigation, Formation and Landing Lights

My only wish-list for this clear sprue is an optional clear dome to replace the radome and half-teardrop shaped cabin windows seen on many search and rescue aircraft. The Flight enclosure also needs to have a circular window (porthole?) polished into the starboard side for the radio-operator to see out of… after all, that must have been the main reason this clear casting extended so far aft in the first place. Make it as big as the toilet and storage compartment windows in the aft fuselage.

PE Fret

• Seat Harnesses
• Stretcher fabric and Braces
• JATO Attachment points

The shoulder straps and the lap straps have the same buckles. I do not know how much sag can be impressed into the brass to depict the canvass surfaces of the stretchers especially when wrapping them around the plastic frames provided in sprue “K”.

The JATO attachment points will look great on the doors’ outside surfaces and I just wish they had provided the storage racks on the aft walls of the Landing gear bays on this fret as well – stocked with plastic JATO bottles or extra fresh-water containers as in the Philippine Air Force aircraft.

Dimensionally accurate, the wing spans 508 mm – exactly 48 times smaller than the actual span of 24.384 meters and the length is about a millimeter over only at 395 mm. Just for good measure – and since Steve Ginter’s book provided the measurement anyway, I measured between centerlines of the engines and they matched perfectly the 6.095 meter engine separation at 127 mm.

I am starting a Build-Review using this test shot and will post it here in stages. My goal is to depict an Ex-USAF HU-16A in service with the Philippine Air Force.

Our Thanks to Trumpeter for providing the test-shot and a friend for literally hand-carrying it back into the country.

Packing our stuff inside EG’s car, we left as scheduled and passed through EDSA for NAIA Terminal 2. Would you believe we encountered some congestion along EDSA at that early hour? We soon found out that road repairs were ongoing; I hate to think what kind of traffic that would’ve caused during daytime. We arrived at Terminal 2 with plenty of time to spare. Jim and I waited for EG at the entrance while he parked his vehicle.

After checking in (electronic ticketing works just fine), we paid the terminal fee and waited in a long queue for immigration. That line was sure slow but we eventually got through. After immigration we killed time at the PAL Mabuhay lounge, courtesy of a very good friend. We enjoyed the relaxing seats, quiet surroundings, cool air-conditioning and a sumptuous breakfast. Before too long we had to leave and go to the gate for boarding. Time does fly when you’re enjoying yourself.

We got on board the PR300 flight with no incident at all but then Murphy’s Law reared its ugly head. We waited almost an hour as the runway was apparently clogged with departures and arrivals. Though the flight to Hong Kong went well, we encountered some weather disturbance along the way. Thankfully they were brief and before you know it our flight was descending into Hong Kong. At the Hong Kong airport, we met fellow member Dave Mason, who arrived on an earlier flight.

Since we were an hour behind schedule our Hong Kong expert, EG, suggested we take the train to town. I’m glad we did, as that was a pleasant and quick train ride, very smooth and spacious, comfortable seats. At the Hong Kong train station we took the airport transfer bus to BP International Hotel.

As soon as we walked inside the door of the hotel, President Emeritus Frank Ching spotted us and called out in his loud, commanding voice. After we explained why we were late, typical of Frank, the orders started coming. We left our luggage at the hotel concierge and rushed to the ferry station. We were hoping to catch the 1:00pm ferry Zhongshan. We arrived at 1:03pm and missed the ferry by that much. Hong Kong is one of few places in Asia where schedules are strictly followed. So we bought tickets for the next trip scheduled for 3:00pm and went for a late lunch.

While waiting for the ferry to China, we saw a couple of familiar faces, Peter Asan and his wife. The couple was with us on our first visit to Trumpeter in June 2006. Peter owns the largest hobby shop in Jakarta, Indonesia. Some of you would remember that Peter also attended one of our Nationals many years back. After re-establishing acquaintances with everyone, we introduced Dave Mason and typical of modelers, they hit it off quite well.

The trip to Zhongshan took 2 hours as there was a scheduled stop at the international airport. We left a hot and sunny Hongkong and arrived to a rainy and muggy China.

At the Zhongshan Port, our party was met by Daniel of Trumpeter and another woman. Unbeknownst to us, we were travelling with a few other guests on the same ferry. Daniel and the lady arranged taxis for everyone, 3 in each taxi, and we were off to a hair-raising taxi ride, China-style, honking horns, beating & sometimes going through red lights, running motorcycles off the road… all under a heavy drizzle and wet roads. But soon enough we all found ourselves at the Shangri-La Hotel in Zhongshan in one piece. There we were met by another familiar face, the ever dependable Jackson Xiao. After taking care of the taxi driver he hustled us off to the front desk for registration, which went off smoothly. We had about an hour to nap and relax in a spacious room with comfortable beds and soft, fluffy pillows.
At 7:00pm we all met at the lobby and made plans for dinner. Walking outside the hotel, eagle-eyed EG saw a familiar double arches sign and we agreed to eat at McDonald’s if we couldn’t find a decent restaurant. As it turns out, it wasn’t a McDonald’s restaurant after all, but that is an altogether different, but nonetheless interesting side story (ask Bull and Chopper about it, if you dare).

In any case, we eventually found a huge restaurant just along the next corner and the place was almost full. We were fortunate Frank was with us otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to know what to order as the menu was in Mandarin and the staff and manager barely spoke a word of English. Good ole Frank, as it turns out could speak the language, which is why he is our President Emeritus. You know, Frank can come across as being bossy, always giving orders, but I like traveling with him because he almost always pays for the meals.

Dinner was an experience. There was a huge plate of chicken, including the chicken head, a beef and mushroom dish which was quite tasty, and a couple of beef viands. There was a contraption at each table which boiled water for the ubiquitous Chinese tea. All in all quite filling. I believe Frank and Dave Mason paid for dinner. I got off easy because I didn’t have any Yuans or Renminbi with me…yeah, great excuse, Mr. Hunter.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped by the double arches store which happened to be a 24-hour convenience outlet. Chopper & Bull always found a reason why they had to go back to that store for supplies.

Back at the hotel, we took time to check on our emails (good thing Jim brought his laptop along) and talked about anything and everything, much like our regular meetings. Pretty soon those beds looked so inviting so we said goodnight and called it a day.

We were all up early the next morning and rushed down to the coffee shop for a hearty breakfast as we all had to leave for the Trumpeter facilities by 9:00am. I believe we all had seconds of almost everything we ate. We just had time to go back to our rooms and freshen up before boarding the bus. Most of the guests were on 3 huge tourist buses but I saw some people go into private vehicles too.

It was quite a distance to the factory but we eventually arrived to a lot of traditional Chinese fanfare, dancing dragons, drums, and lots of pretty receptionists. To our surprise the new factory was at the old site, just a few meters away from the original plant. The ferry to Zhongshan was what confused us and made us think Trumpeter expanded elsewhere.

The Chairman and President, Mr. Ho, was there to welcome everyone with the help of other employees. We were given cold drinks which were much appreciated as it was a hot, sunny day.

Off to the side of the impressive entrance to the building, there was a huge canvas where we all signed our names and congratulatory messages.

After everyone had settled, the formal ceremony started. Mr. Ho gave a short speech in Mandarin, with short intermissions to allow the interpreter to translate his message in English.

After Mr. Ho’s inaugural speech the traditional blessing of dancing dragons started. It was quite a lengthy dance and I suppose, tiring, as I witnessed a couple of substitutions of the man holding the dragon’s head. After the inaugural ribbon was cut, everyone was invited to enter the building for a thorough tour of the new facilities.

We did not have an opportunity to award Mr. Ho with the plaque because he was busy entertaining other guests and we didn’t want to steal the limelight from Trumpeter, so it was handed off to one of the Trumpeter employees with a specific request that it be presented to Mr. Ho.

Much to our surprise, the nerve-center of Trumpeter’s large operation was opened for everyone. Just as it was on our first visit, the section where they did their Product Research and Development was shown to all guests and we were even allowed inside the area where they made the masters. There was a simple sign at the door “No Photos Please” but we could see other guests snapping away. We had quite an eyeful of what subjects Trumpeter were working on, but our lips are sealed as we were requested not to divulge them.

We were shown the new production area where they made the motorized mini-sub, the outboard motors for recreational water activities, the production line for a special order of fully built-up 1:18 Dauntless and a few others. We also saw the packaging operations, from how the boxes were made, to loading them with sprues, to final checking and sealing. Quite an interesting activity if you ask me. We also toured the area where they produced the metal molds as well as the machines where they produced the sprue trees by plastic injection process.

We were off to the long bus ride back to the hotel for a buffet lunch. Food was once again overflowing and we had seconds and thirds even. After that filling lunch we relaxed for a 3 hour siesta before we had to dress up for the wedding ceremony and reception.

It would be difficult to remember when I last saw a ballroom full of guests, numbering well into the thousands. It seems Mr. Ho invited all the employees of the Trumpeter Group of Companies. There were scrumptious food and drinks at the cocktail reception. A few moments later the happy couple showed up and before too long people were asked to enter the ballroom and take their seats. Good thing the organizers planned it well as everyone had an assigned table, so we were all happily seated amongst friends and acquaintances. There was a strange face at our table, a fellow who turned out to be a Hongkong realtor and modeler. We later found out that he & his driver had driven into Zhongshan in their car. That certainly impressed most of us at the table. Food and drinks was abundant and there was always an attendant at every table, ready to attend to our requests.

The program started with a live artistic performance using what I would guess was colored oil on a thin water base. It was like sand art but the artist used oil as a medium. It was quite interesting, a skill I can only admire but can never hope to emulate.

The wedding ceremony itself was quite brief with an exchange of vows on stage, accompanied by a couple of jokes in Mandarin that got everyone laughing, except us who didn’t understand a word of it.

The most awaited part for most guests came right after as the food was served. The Chinese banquet was superlative which I’m almost sure impressed the Westerners who were among the guests. We found ourselves trying to control our appetite as we had to leave room for the coming dishes. Near the end of the course, the couple and members of their family made their rounds of all the tables and toasts were done.

We saw a few bottles of Hennessey brought to every table and soon enough the liquor had its effect on those who imbibed. This resulted into some hilarious photos, one of which you will find posted in the Members’ section of our forumboards.

The next morning, at breakfast, we chanced upon Kei Ho, the groom. Kei & Joana were having breakfast at the Shangri-La concessionaire. Much to our surprise he was quite a friendly & approachable fellow. Kei & his more reserved wife stopped by our table on their way out, exchanged pleasantries, and asked about a fellow guest and benefactor. That was astonishing as he remembered us amongst many guests. I guess he has the makings of a successful businessman.

After rushing to pack & check out, we all squeezed in a cab, or rather I was squeezed by my healthy companions, and we were on our way to the ferry port. Traffic was light and we arrived well ahead of time, so we relaxed at the waiting area. The sea was rough on the way back to Hongkong, thankfully we arrived before seasickness got to any of us. It was a short walk to our hotel and after checking in and complaining about the small beds; we were off to an afternoon of hobby shop hopping. It’s good we had Hongkong experts with us otherwise moving around would have taken more time. Our grand old President Emeritus is a fixture at the largest hobby shop in Hongkong and he impressed us with the number of kits he bought that filled 8 huge boxes. It was a tiring day, but well worth it.

We had dinner at a restaurant famed for its goose dish. It was so good I brought one home for my wife to enjoy too.

The next day was more walking but we got back early so we can pack & get ready for our flight back home. The bus ride to the train station for the airport was quick & we discovered we could check in at the train station and avoid the queue at the terminal. We got separated at the airport security check so I didn’t get a chance to buy “pasalubong”. Upon boarding, we were all pleasantly surprised that we had the middle row seats just after one of the galleys. Our President Emeritus quietly arranged it at the city check-in. All this special treatment and arrangements made me say I wouldn’t mind travelling to Hongkong with him again, even if I have to lug around bags full of things he bought. Thanks Chopper!

It was quite a trip and one experience I will never forget. Many thanks to our gracious hosts, Mr. Ho, the Trumpeter Group of Companies and his hard working staff. Special thanks too for our benefactor who shall remain unnamed. And lastly to a great bunch of brothers who made the trip happier and more meaningful, Chopper, BigMan and Bull. We missed you Oli.