It’s hard to believe it’s been less than a week since I got this notion in my head about contributor-supported, unflinching kit reviews. While there’s been some measure of expected butthurt, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, and I’ve truly been flabbergasted by it.

So since that time, what’s happened?

• I’ve rejiggered the REVIEWS PAGE and posted a MANIFESTO and an FAQ. So if you have any questions about what the hell’s going on, there you go.
• I’ve set up a FundRazr page (LINK) for transparent contributions. I know some out there are wary of this crowdfunding business, to which I say, this is far, far preferable to saying “just send me money via Paypal”.
• Contributions have poured in. Absolutely poured. I set a modest goal of $200, figuring that would stretch across 2-3 of these kit reviews or maybe a bit further depending on the kits selected.

Despite some backchannelers calling me a twat and calling this idea bullshit, you all way more than came through, and thanks to more than forty contributors, this effort has raised a staggering $501! To those of you who contributed, I cannot thank you enough. For contributing to the Review Fund, obviously, but also for the show of support.

For those who want to contribute, you’ll have to wait until time comes to replenish the kitty – I’ve currently paused contributions since $500 should keep this effort going for some time!

And the winner is…

And now we get to it. After gathering contributor votes throughout the week, the first review kit has been selected.

Honestly, it wasn’t even close. The winning kit took 39% of the one dollar/one vote system and would have done as well if not better in a single-vote setup. The next closest nabbed 23%, and the distant third, just 16%.

So which kit won?

Fly Model’s 1/32 Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc.

This is a limited production kit of the Battle of Britain workhorse that the Brits just love to throw out there as the imminent, only-obvious choice for Tamiya’s next 1/32 masterpiece. I don’t know about that, but I do know the in-box reviews have certainly been kind to it. Want to see what it’s all about – I’d highly recommend checking out Jim Hatch’s review of the IIc (LINK) or Jeroen Peters’ review of the IIc Trop (LINK).

How does the actual build stand up to first impressions? That’s what we’ll be exploring!

And a reminder, this will be a “naked” build. No paint, no filler, no aftermarket or scratchbuilding for the plastic to hide behind. No shims to close up gaps. The only allowances I may make – given that this is a short run kit – are some alignment aids glued to the inside of the plastic should it prove necessary. And should those be needed, rest assured they will be documented.

As for the kits that did not win, some of them will pull through to the next selection round, while others will be kicked to the curb. I’ve set a threshold of 30 votes – kits that fell under that, thanks for playing. The ones that will pull through (with their take of the vote next to them):

• 1/48 Kinetic Super Etendard (23% / 99 votes)
• 1/48 Eduard Bf 109G-6 Late Series (16% / 70 votes)
• 1/35 Meng ZSU-23-4 Shilka (8% / 35 votes)
• 1/48 Airfix Gloster Meteor F.8 (7% / 31 votes)

And the ones that won’t:

• 1/72 Revell Shackleton AEW.2 (5% / 20 votes)
• 1/48 Airfix Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I (2% / 10 votes)
• 1/72 Fulcrum Fight – Zvezda MiG-29 9-13 vs. Trumpeter 9-12 (0% / 2 votes)
• 1/35 AMX Fight – Tamiya vs. Takom AMX-13 (0% / 0 votes)

Serious burn on the AMX-13 there! I figured new Tamiya armor would at least snag some interest, especially against up-and-comer Takom, but the votes speak for themselves.

What happens now?

Next, I’ll be sourcing the Fly Hurricane and posting an invoice (scrubbed of personal financial info of course) to keep the money trail completely transparent. I should have it in a little over a week, I think, and then, the fun begins!

Stay tuned, and a huge thanks to everyone who’s contributed to the review fund and who’s lent moral support to this venture.