Chengdu Aviation Corporation has become a power house in aviation. From it’s lightweight but intimidating J-10, to it’s unique and menacing J-20. The J-36 is their newest offering and proves to be no different – another incredible aircraft that leapfrog them ahead again. It feels like each aircraft is a generational leap and having a model of the prototype is exciting. So let’s look inside the Trumpeter 1/72 scale model rendition of the J-36 prototype.

Trumpeter have a history of releasing Chinese prototypes – having done the J-10 and J-20 in prototype boxing’s (later followed by production variants). They’ve done other non-Chengdu subjects too like the JF-17, J-31, and the K-8. Historically their aircraft have been fairly accurate even in prototype stage. Given the secrecy of these companies, it’s pretty impressive.

I’ve seen videos of this plane floating around for a while, but somehow it’s size still surprised me. The three engined dorito is similar in scale to a small tactical transport than a Eurofighter or F-22. It’s profile is thin but long and wide – true to it’s crisp namesake. Having said that, the sprues were

I’ve seen videos of this plane floating around for a while, but somehow it’s size still surprised me. The three engined dorito is similar in scale to a small tactical transport than a Eurofighter or F-22. It’s profile is thin but long and wide – true to it’s crisp namesake. Having said that, the sprues were surprisingly few given it’s size. I’m not a parts queen, for me it’s all about the model being fun and fitting together in a satisfying manner.

I’m partial to a model that goes together fairly quickly so I’m excited to see how quickly this does build. The parts are beautiful. The panel linings are exquisite. I could not even feel them with my nails or fingers. They were just barely there yet so clear with the eye. How they’ll look under paint I’m unsure, but having done the J-10 I’m extremely confident that it’ll look good. The other details – such as cabling, metal joins, and fan blades – look equally nice.

I’m also impressed by the log of the sprues. You can see the pieces falling together because they’re near where they need to be. It’s a really well designed kit and shows that Trumpeter can do models really well.

Surprisingly it also comes with an extra decal (presumably an updated part) and masking pieces for the cockpit. I did not expect the masking set and it’s a great addition as I’d normally just put the canopy on last and hand paint it. Though this gives you that option anyway as it’s the last piece you put in.

Oh and speaking of the canopy it is crisp. It is potentially one of the cleanest clear sprues I’ve ever seen. It just goes to show that the production of the kit is as good as the sprue layout. The instructions also continue this thoughtfulness having clarity and simplicity. The only down side is it doesn’t tell you you need super glue for the 3d printed pilots seats. But it feels a small issue, and I don’t imagine there are many new starters who are going to do this kit.

I never say if I recommend a kit until I’ve built it, and this is no different. I am impressed by what I see though. This is the first time in quite a while that I’ve seen a kit and thought “wow, I want to build this immediately” …and I have started building it already! Here is a sneak peak…but I won’t spoil what I thought of it so far!

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