Here is another decades old kit for anyone wanting to build a U-2C in 1/48th scale, this kit was pretty much it... until recently. Hawk released its U-2A in 1962. Testors later acquired the molds modifying them into a U-2C in 1975 (larger intakes and a dorsal spine). The same "C" version molds were also released by Italeri in 1979.
Notable Kit Features:
Few kit parts
Raised panel lines
Glare shield molded to inside of canopy for ease of painting
Aircraft dolly and standing pilot included
Build Inspiration:
Skunk Works - Need I say more :)
Heads-Up Report:
Parts flash is common
Very basic cockpit and ejection seat
Main instrument panel is a decal on flat a flat plastic slab
Fuselage fit issues around nose and gear opening
Wing to fuselage gap needs to be filled
Intake fit is poor
Kit Additions / Modifications:
This would be an out of the box build with just the basics
End Result:
The paint scheme for this aircraft was a CIA overall black (painted with some variation in tone - none of it all in black - to get a more accurate looking finish).
The After-Build Report:
I would be hard pressed to actually recommend this kit. If you are on a budget and want to build a U-2 then this (or the Italeri version) is your option. Just prepare yourself to put some extra work into it (I am sure it can be done.) You option is the AFV kit however, I got a look at the price point here in Canada it is pretty steep! So there is your choice to get a U-2C spy plane in the collection, the budget fix-er-upper or the expensive new tool kit (that has had some shape issue criticisms but to its credit, fixed some of them).
Note: AFV Club released their U-2A version in 2019 giving model makers an up-to-date early version of this spy plane. Following that came their release of the U-2C in 2020 finally giving modelers updated kits of this historic aircraft which I suspect will be released in other variants.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is suppose to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers