Hasegawa 1/48 F-22 Raptor USAF

I found this model to be the best and most detailed model I have ever built. It is true quality, having most pieces fit perfectly! Some of the decals are (like most) not the best. You must be very careful with them and use correctly. Also the fuselage will sometimes be barely warped. You can possibly fix this by trying to bend it back. Other than that NOTHING to take away the five stars. It is naturally shiny and streamlined with immense detail to every part. I would recommend this to a experienced modeler or one who can take almost up to 400 parts that can be very small. The worst part of the construction for me was the landing gears. There is almost a ridiculously weak way of how they are built. Don't let this stop you from trying though, There is multiple different pieces that allow it to be closed or open even after you may have failed to build it. This model says to mix paint to the perfect color. I found that simple Ace spray paint and Testors enamel works best just the way it is. I think that this is a AWESOME model and love it. All the models pieces fit perfectly with each other. Even with 368 pieces you can still easily find the correct one to use. The directions can be difficult at times but overall are easy to use. It is naturally shiny so if you desire a even more shiny look then use gloss colors. The cockpit is extremely detailed like the rest of the model. You even have a choice of which pilot helmet may be worn by the pilot. This kit comes with it all Two AIM-9 Sidewinders and 6 Aim-120 missiles. cool product to buy!

Model was fairly easy to assemble. Had only one issue trying to fit the main cockpit assembly in between the upper and lower body parts. Required some Dremel work, but it turned out beautifully. When building models keep one thing in mind... Make it to suit your likes... Not someone else's and have fun!

I have built a LOT of model kits - everything from fighters to heavy bombers, mostly in 1:48 scale, plus a series in 1:32, and lots of 1:700 and 1:350 ship models, 1:35 tanks etc. My favorite brands are Tamiya and second, Hasegawa. This particular kit is brutally detailed. There are a ton of tiny and highly accurate pieces, particularly in the weapon bays. For some this is a plus, as it was for me. But for those who just want to represent the F-22 Raptor in a collection, realize you're making a commitment in building this kit.That all being said, I don't think I could have gotten a better F-22 kit on the market.

Some pieces didn't quite line up right. More flashing than expected.

This is a fantastic kit! Hasegawa is right up there with the highest quality kits available. This kit is normally sold for $90 through the different online retail merchants and even higher (in some cases) than the brick and mortar shops. For a 1/48 kit to have 368 pieces speaks to the amazing detail (most kits this size have under 100) but that is where the quality comes in. I've gone over all the parts trees and the detail is amazing! This is nothing short of fantastic! If I were to have paid $90 for this kit I would be completely satisfied with the quality versus cost. However, with it being in the $30's this is an ABSOLUTE STEAL! I ordered this kit and it arrived within 2 days and was very carefully packaged. After a full inspection I ordered a 2nd kit. If you are an intermediate to advanced modeler then this kit is for you and you can't go wrong with it. If you are a beginning modeler it would be okay to order it but make sure you build a few dozen kits (or whatever it takes) to increase your skill level before you attempt to start this build. If you are a parent thinking this would be a good "toy" for your child DON'T BUY IT! This is neither a toy nor a kit for the beginner.

Found this plane for 24 bucks which is a seal compared to local hobby shops or online model vendors. The modeling community complains mostly about the excessive raised RAM material on the surfaces of this particular model but its a mere oversight as far as Im concerned. It can easily be modified down with a bit of priming and sanding. Overall this beats Academy out for their version of the F22 and you won't he disappointed with the fit at all. Theres a lot of internal support structure to keep the plane from being so hollow after completion which is great. The painting is a bit tricky..especially since Hasegawa uses Mr. Color paint references. But you can match up colors to pretty much any paint yiu use by converting them via [...]. There are a couple of tricks to add the elusive sheen for the raptor but there are products out there to assist in this. Overall a great model.