The Special Hobby 1/32 Hawker Tempest Mk.II “Hi-Tech” (kit #SH32054) is a large-scale, highly detailed model that represents the radial-engine version of the famous British fighter. Unlike the Tempest Mk.V, which used a Napier Sabre inline engine, the Mk.II was powered by a Bristol Centaurus radial, giving it a distinctive rounded cowling and powerful front profile. This “Hi-Tech” edition is designed for advanced modelers and includes a combination of injection-molded plastic, resin, and photo-etched parts, along with pre-cut masks and high-quality decals. The surface detail is finely executed, with crisp recessed panel lines, subtle rivet textures, and accurate contours throughout the airframe.
Inside the box are multiple sprues of grey plastic for the main structure, clear parts for the canopy and lights, and resin components that greatly enhance areas such as the cockpit, landing gear, wheels, and the detailed Centaurus engine. A small photo-etched fret provides fine metal details like seatbelt buckles and cockpit fittings, while the pre-cut masks simplify canopy and wheel painting. The kit includes decals for five marking options—covering Royal Air Force, Indian Air Force, and early Pakistan Air Force aircraft—printed in excellent register and complemented by stenciling.
The instruction booklet is printed in full color, offering clear guidance for assembly and painting, including optional panels that can be posed open to display the radial engine. While the model rewards careful craftsmanship with museum-level realism, it is not intended for beginners: precise alignment, resin handling, and dry-fitting are essential for success. When completed, the finished Tempest Mk.II is an impressive, large-scale centerpiece that captures both the rugged power and refined engineering of one of Britain’s last great piston-engine fighters.
The Special Hobby 1/32 Hawker Tempest Mk.II “Hi-Tech” (kit #SH32054) is a large-scale, highly detailed model that represents the radial-engine version of the famous British fighter. Unlike the Tempest Mk.V, which used a Napier Sabre inline engine, the Mk.II was powered by a Bristol Centaurus radial, giving it a distinctive rounded cowling and powerful front profile. This “Hi-Tech” edition is designed for advanced modelers and includes a combination of injection-molded plastic, resin, and photo-etched parts, along with pre-cut masks and high-quality decals. The surface detail is finely executed, with crisp recessed panel lines, subtle rivet textures, and accurate contours throughout the airframe.
Inside the box are multiple sprues of grey plastic for the main structure, clear parts for the canopy and lights, and resin components that greatly enhance areas such as the cockpit, landing gear, wheels, and the detailed Centaurus engine. A small photo-etched fret provides fine metal details like seatbelt buckles and cockpit fittings, while the pre-cut masks simplify canopy and wheel painting. The kit includes decals for five marking options—covering Royal Air Force, Indian Air Force, and early Pakistan Air Force aircraft—printed in excellent register and complemented by stenciling.
The instruction booklet is printed in full color, offering clear guidance for assembly and painting, including optional panels that can be posed open to display the radial engine. While the model rewards careful craftsmanship with museum-level realism, it is not intended for beginners: precise alignment, resin handling, and dry-fitting are essential for success. When completed, the finished Tempest Mk.II is an impressive, large-scale centerpiece that captures both the rugged power and refined engineering of one of Britain’s last great piston-engine fighters.
