[1250ships]

I've been eyeing the Corgi T-45 Goshawk that has recently hit dealer shelves. I remember someone here complained that it did not have the proper two wheel foward gear. However I noted that Corgi list it as a prototype- possible explaination? So I did some research.

The aircraft modeled is serial 162787 which appears to be the first T-45A. However that does not make it the prototype. There were two YT-45 aircraft produced as prototypes. Aircraft 162787 has lots of promo photos provided by the manufacturer- one reason I'm sure they picked this bird.

I'm also now convinced that as a production "A" model it would have had the twin wheel nose gear. I did not find any photos of the YT-45 birds so can't speculate on whether they had twin wheels. However all the sources I looked at said if it was a T-45 it has twin nose gear. No one mentioned an exception for the prototypes.

So display your Goshawk wheels up? Problem solved? Nope. The wheel issue pales into insignificance when compared to another major problem. The T-45 has some major external changes compared to the regular Hawks. Here is what Corgi got right:

1. A single ventral fin, instead of the more conventional pair of fins. Appears to be correct on the model
2. Small control surfaces were fitted ahead of the all-moving horizontal tailplane. Appears to be correct on the model

Hear is what Corgi missed:

1. The previous mentioned two wheeled nose gear that features tow and catapult hookups similar to what is found on the F-18. Not present on the Corgi model
2. Twin airbrakes mounted in front of the horizontal tailplane, reminiscent of those used on the F-86 Sabre, replacing the single belly airbrake of the conventional Hawk. Not present on the model but excusable as you can't make it out on the photos of the real thing.
3. Leading-edge slats were fitted on the wing for low-speed flying and other. Not present on the Corgi model- leading edge appears the same as other Hawk models
4. A strengthened airframe and wing, larger tail surfaces, and squared-off wingtips and horizontal tailplane tips. Not present on the model.

To me #4 is the big deal killer. The wings and tail are wrong. Compare this photo: http://www.avions-militaires.net/images/photos/t45.jpg to the photos Tricatus has up: http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa36004.htm

The wings and tail should be squared off. Instead Corgi used the same wing and tail as all the other Hawks.

Sad, because I was hoping that I would find out that the nose wheel was OK for a prototype so I could get this one.

[skidmarksdiecast]

Despite its flaws, Corgi's Goosehawk is still a very nice model. If you're a fan of the Hawk, I highly recommend it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[flaps]

I got it and the Red and Black Raf Versions. All are very nice and probably the only releases of this bird from anyone.

Flaps

[Waltz41]

I was thinking of picking this one up because a few weeks ago one came in here to Willow Grove doing some practice approaches.

[Nockers]

Yes it is a very nice Hawk painted to look like the Goshawk. But its no Goshawk just an incorrect repaint.

[FormerViperDriver]

I've got the Red Arrows Hawk, very nice. But I'll skip the "Goshawk" because of the reasons indicated by 1250ships, even though I love the livery. I'm not a rivet counter by any means, but the deviations from reality are just too large in this case.

FVD

[SKUNKY]

Originally Posted by FormerViperDriver

. I'm not a rivet counter by any means, but the deviations from reality are just too large in this case.

Horrendously so....even by Corgi's standards....

[flaps]

I dont get it, looks just like the one in this pic pretty much.

Flaps

Originally Posted by Waltz41

I was thinking of picking this one up because a few weeks ago one came in here to Willow Grove doing some practice approaches.

[SKUNKY]

Primarily, it doesn't have the beefier, navalized landing gear..twin nose wheels and towbar (not such a big deal if you're displaying gear up, of course) the wings/tailplane surfaces and forward fuselage are totally wrong, and should have laterally-mounted perforated speedbrakes instead of single ventral one. That's the real noticeable stuff..

Nice paint scheme though.