General Atomics MQ-1B Predator
So, now that the Predator is 'cool' and in mainstream media all the time, a large model company decided to make a model of one. And the did a pretty good job too. The Unicraft Models version isn't too bad, but it is little inaccurate. This model, packaged by Accurate Miniatures is much more accurate. The shape is better, the sizes and locations of the various bits are more accurate, and it has a much more accurate feel to it. Plus, the Accurate Miniatures model is available in the US.
As I said, this plane is now getting all sorts of attention. It was in the movie Eagle Eye, wowing audiences around the country. It can't actually do all that stuff they show it doing though. It wouldn't be able to fly into a tunnel at all. Once it went inside the tunnel, it would lose it's communications link to the control station and start to climb to its 'safe' altitude. Then it would smack into the roof of the tunnel and turn into a big fireball. BOOM!
But it sure looked cool! I mean, who wouldn't want to fly an airplane down a tunnel? Actually, I wouldn't. That's crazy talk. All those barnstormers back in the 1920's were out of their minds! Well, for some of it, at least. It's not to difficult to fly a loop or something like that. But flying though a barn? That's nuts!
Putting it Together
This model went together quite easily. I didn't have any fit problems, and many of the seams just disappeared. There are some on the bottom though, in the wheel wells. But when the model is on display, you'd have a hard time seeing them. I did have a problem with warped parts. The wings and the tailboards were a little bent. I managed to coax them back to their proper positions though.
There are some pretty small and thin parts on this model though. The alpha probe (the thing sticking out the front) is really thin and will break easily if it wasn't already broken in the box. Also, the counter weights on the tailboards will come off if you aren't careful with them. They are actually wrapped with card stock in the box to prevent something from snagging them. Be careful taking the covers off if you get this model.
The decals the provide are extensive. You can make any tail number out there. ANY. They also have tail codes for before (WA) and after (CH) the Predator squadrons switched to a new wing. There are several small details too, like several unit patches, the different wings the squadrons were in, and the little laser warning stickers that are on the ball. So, if you want to build a Predator model. Get this one. It's pretty accurate, it's easy to build, and it has nice details.