OS2U Kingfisher w/Launcher
Item: RS 20003
Media: Injection-molding and photo-etch

Introduction

OS2U Kingfisher w/Launcher is a model set by Riich in 1/200 scale. The kit consists of two-each styrene Kingfisher floatplanes with styrene and photo-etched catapults. While 1/200 is not a recent naval scale - Nichimo kitted a 1/200 HIJMS Yamato in the 1960s or early 70's - and is popular for die-cast airplanes and a few model airplanes, I couldn't fathom (pardon the pun) why this scale was chosen considering 1/350 is an established dominate naval scale while 1/144 is burgeoning for aviation, armor and even naval subjects. Maybe it scales better for metric?

Well, my vast intel network has ferreted out the probably answer to Why a 1/200 Kingfisher?, though not Why 1/200?

When Trumpeter came out with the 1/200 Arizona, they under-equipped the air wing. It was short one or two (depending on your year) Kingfishers. Trumpeter was not receptive to selling them separately. So there has been a rather large, pent up demand for more OS2Us from everyone who bought the Trumpeter kit.

Perhaps we will have a new fleet of ship models in this peculiar scale slipping their berths in the near future.

In the box

Riich packs this pair of sets in an end-opening box. The box art is a vignette of a OS2U on the catapult. On the back is painting and decal guidance.

Inside the box is a bag holding both OS2U sprues, catapult sprues, a baggie of two P/E frets, and a pair of decals.

Molding is top-notch! No flash, sink marks, visible ejector circles nor mold seam marks. The Kingfisher is assembled with 15 clear styrene parts. The 68-foot catapult is assembled with 24 gray styrene parts and 15 P/E parts. Molded detail is crisp.

Instructions, paint, decals

Riich instructions are some of the best I've seen. They are very clear and easy to follow. Consisting of line art, they are shaded blue for P/E.

Paint guidance is on the back of the box. Eight colors are referenced for four paint brands: Mr. Hobby; Humbrol; Model Master; Tamiya. Two schemes are illustrated, the early USN blue-gray over light gray, and the tri-color of 1943.

Decal options match: red centered national roundels with red & white striped rudder, or the later stars and bars. Three aircraft numbers are provided: "white 25", "S-0-2" for early war, and "black 13." "S-0-2" is not shown on the box. The diminutive decals are opaque, thin, and in register.

Summary

A very impressive model set! Molding is top-notch. The diminutive decals are opaque, thin, and in register. The P/E fret provides much detail.

I am impressed with this model set and heartily recommend it to anyone who needs a 1/200 Kingfisher on a catapult!