Scaleworld

Those of you who have an interest in private planes will love this kit.  Created with completely new tooling, this model has all the detail we've come to expect from military subjects.  For starters, it contains 50 light gray styrene parts and 10 clear parts, along with a substantial multiple choice sheet of decals.

Surface detail is delicate and recessed, very much up to today's standards.  The model is also dimensionally accurate with the wingspan of 8.95" being dead on.  Interior is nicely detailed and the engine is attached to a correct engine mount that, in turn, is mounted on a separate firewall. It's this separate firewall that will allow you to install enough weight between the firewall and instrument panel to keep the model's nose gear on the ground if you choose not to use a support rod under the tail or pin the model down on a base.  There is one thing to be aware of, however.  The way the main gear struts  have to be mounted (It's the aircraft's design, so don't blame Minicraft.), the finished model may or may not be able to support the extra weight.  I'll be able to tell you for sure when I get a chance to build this beauty.  I suspect the approach will work since the instructions tell you that you can delete the engine, replacing it with weights and installing the removable cowl permanently.  As long as the gear will take it, stuff the weight behind the firewall, leave the cowl removable, detail the engine and have the best of both worlds.

After dryfitting some of the major parts, there were no problems apparent.  This kit should go together very quickly with no more attention needed to the seams than is normal on any higher quality kit.

When it comes to finishing, the decals will allow you to recreate the multi-color graphics-style scheme with minimal pain.  Alternate styles of American registration numbers are provided, along with European registration numbers if you prefer.

As for references, a quick trip thru your favorite search engine using the Cessna 172 phrase will net you plenty of color shots, both exterior and interior.

Bottom line is that this is an excellent model kit of an aircraft that can be found at almost any airfield in the world that plays host to private planes. It belongs in every 1/48th scale collection.