BCATP Harvard Grad: 1/48th Monogram T-6 (Harvard)
Updated: May 7, 2022
For a kit first released in the 1970s, this Monogram (Revell) T-6 model is holding up well. This kit has been in and out of production over the years and released in several variants. The detail and fit are still pretty good, keeping this old kit a favourite amoung builders. (The only other option, in 1/48th scale, I know of is the Occidental mold - also released by Heller, Modelcraft & Italeri.)
Notable Kit Features:
Nicely detailed cockpit with raised detail
Good representation of the interior tubular framework
Landing flaps are provided separately and are positionable
Nicely detailed exterior with finely raised panel lines rivets
Separate clear parts allow the front and rear cockpits being open or closed
Two cowlings provided (with and without gun blister)
Machine gun weapons provided for an AT-6
Optional spinner cover provided
Later releases of this kit sometime include parts to build T-6D through T-6G
Build Inspiration:
I built my T-6 as a Harvard that was based at Camp Borden, Ontario as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). I managed to find a Harvard that didn't have the elongated exhaust down the right-side which is what I needed as the Monogram kit does not include this item.
Heads-Up Report:
A bit of cleanup is necessary on some parts
The propeller fit is a bit loose
Detail could be added to the wheel wells
Kit Additions / Modifications:
An Out of the Box build with the exception of custom decals from the spares box
End Result:
This old Monogram kit is still a nice model to build, if you want to do a T-6 / SJN variant, I would recommend it. If you are looking to build a Harvard, I would option for the Occidental kit (Modelcraft version if you can find it), as it may better represent this model with the inclusion of the longer exhaust pipe and antennas.
Completed build #134 - May 2011 using the 1/48th scale Monogram #5306 kit.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building what you want, how you want - Cheers