Review

This offering from HobbyBoss of a 1/48th scale U-2 arrives in a substantial cardboard tray, with a separate card lid. Inside the sprues are individually bagged and an examination of the parts reveals no obvious moulding issues. For the most part, the gates are of a reasonable size however, some of the gates are mounted onto the mating surface, so clean up will need to be on the ball. This offering of the U-2S is very similar to the U-2R release previously. My searches indicate that the differences are limited to the engines - which you cannot see, and the replacement of cabling with fibre optic technology allowing the use of the newest generation of sensors due to the reduction in electronic noise. 

The cockpit of the aircraft is surprisingly detailed for an aircraft that still has a lot of secrets that have yet to be released. The nicely replicated seat accompanies what would appear to be an accurate console display. Decals for the side instrument panels and the seat has moulded harness detail. The controls for the pilot are similar to those found in modern airliners, and so the result in a pleasing aspect of the model when finished. The undercarriage is centre line only, with wheel bogies on the wing tips that are discarded on take-off. The detail on the rear wheel bay seems to be lacking in my opinion and so if you can find reference for this area  you could dress up a little I suspect. The front wheel bay seems to be, in my opinion, much more detailed. There is far more rib detail present in the bay, however, some wiring detail would be of benefit. 

The distance between the air in-takes and the jet exhaust is considerable, and HobbyBoss has overcome this by providing a V shaped in-take with the first compressor fan. The back is a single moulded exhaust with internal detail lacking in my opinion. You are instructed to add a considerable number of antennas which I feel are at risk of breakage as you progress the build. I see no reason to put the risk of damage to these on the underside of the fuselage, as it can be tackled at the end of the build when the model is supported by its undercarriage and so a greatly reduced risk of damage. 

The tail assembly is completely separate from the main model, and with a separate control surface. What I believe to be a centre line fuel tank is mounted on the spine of the aircraft, but there is a risk that I am wrong and it has sensors within it. The wing assemblies are completed off of the model, again with built in sensor pods with a number of antennae below each one. All of these antennae I would leave off until you have tackled any seam lines and otherwise completed the model - otherwise I will take bets on how long it will take to knock one off. The bogies are quite delicate, so care will need to be taken again to avoid damage. The horizontal tail surfaces are also provided with separate control surfaces, and all of this comes together on the model right at the end, when you also add the very long nose. The mating surface between wing and root is quite small for what is a very long wing, and I am questioning if it is wise to add all of the elements to the wings prior to adding them to the fuselage. But only you yourself can decide that. A pleasing inclusion in this release are masks for the canopy. The canopy itself is of a reasonable thickness, and is protected inside the box via the inclusion of foan wrapping. 

HobbyBoss has provided 2 finishing options for this release, with my new pet hate of not adding any details on what the finishes represent. However, it is my belief that all U-2s are based in California and are flown to where ever they are needed before being sent back home. 

Conclusion

This release from HobbyBoss completes the line of U-2 aircraft, as this is the version currently in use. I do question if the changes between the 2 versions, none of which I believe can be seen on the model make it worth you investing in another U-2. However, if you don’t have one it makes nice company for a SR-71 Blackbird and is a considerable sized model in it’s own right. I will restrict my negatives on the model to the lack of detail on finishes, as otherwise it seems to be a very complete model. You are advised to consider missing steps in construction to avoid breakage, damage or loss as you progress to the finish.