I don't plan on going into any history or background on the U-2, you can find that in plenty of other places, here - on the internet - or in various books.
When you receive the AirAlex 1/144 U-2 you'll have some clean-up to do. But that's the nature of the game with these types of single-mold resins. Everything tends to be molded off one "block", meaing that most parts are connected with each other. But that's actually not a problem, as in most places it just means removing a "film" of resin, as opposed to pour blocks. However, if those molds shift in any way, then you have a different type of clean up to do.
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In any evernt, I've already started removing parts from the "resin web" and found the kit to be fairly decent. Another issue with these "single-block molds" is sometimes parts will come out warped, which is the case with the wings on my example. This too is not a problem as immersion in hot water and then straightening it out will usuall alleviate the problem. The two problems I have with my example is that one wing is a little thicker than the other (in which sanding the wing will take care of the issue) and the intakes aren't molded as clean as I would hoped, and one is a little thicker than the other. When I get into doing more with the build (as opposed to just removing it from "the web") then I will replace the intakes with those from a Revell F-104, since they're very close in outline.
There aren't many parts with this kit. The tail surfaces are separate, along with the "slipper tanks" and landing gear, but that's it. Once the clean-up is finished the build should be quick. There are no panel lines at all on the kit, so you'll either need to scribe your own, or do what I'm planning - draw them on after painting. The decals are nicely finished, but I think they're ALPS-generated, so care must be taken. Decals are for one U-2D, but in a couple of guises: first, as it was assigned to Project HICAT and flew in Alaska and Australia in the 1960s; second, as it flew at Edwards AFB in 1977. In addition, it includes the tail serial in red, as it is displayed now at the USAF Museum.
Conclusion
There isn't much to this model. Yes, there is still plenty to do with it, in regards to the clean up and (at least on my example) the fixes I'll need to do to one wing and the intakes, but as far as I know, it's the only early U-2 in 1/144. Take time and care with it, and you could have a decent-looking 1/144 U-2 in your collection.
My thanks to AirAlex for the kit.