F-35B photo etch detail sets for Fujimi kit - 1:72 Eduard

[Paul A H]

F-35B photo etch detail sets for Fujimi kit

1:72 Eduard

Owners of Fujimi's F-35B will no doubt be happy to see the release of these upgrade sets from Eduard. This is because while the Japanese manufacturer's curious kit is exquisitely detailed in some areas (engine, surface details, bomb bay) it is quite spartan in others (cockpit, landing gear). I'm actually halfway through building my kit, so where possible I'm going to comment on the fit of the parts as well as the usual comments on content and quality.

F-35B Interior Set

The first set is comprised of two frets. The first is a self-adhesive, pre-painted set that includes parts, while the second contains plain brass parts. Both sets are dedicated solely to the cockpit, which probably gives you a good idea of how plain the kit parts are. On the pre-painted fret are parts for the F-=352s large Multi-Functional Display instrument panel, side consoles, side walls and the ejector seat. The printing looks pretty good, but I'm not convinced that any amount of etch will really help the kit's ejector seat! The other glitch is that the parts for the side consoles are far too wide for the plastic parts, meaning you have to fold them first. This is tricky with pre-painted self-adhesive parts as they stick to the folding tool. Also, the paint has a tendency to flake off, leaving you to touch things up with a fine brush afterwards. The overall effect is pretty pleasing once complete though.

On the unpainted set are parts for the floor of the cockpit, including new rudder pedals, and the structure behind the pilot's head, which has to be cut away in order that the replacement parts can be fitted. Parts for the inside of the canopy framing are also included, including the strip which runs cross the span of the canopy on the inside. It will take a modeller with nerves of steel to fit the latter part, as it runs the risk of completely stuffing up the excellent kit canopy.

F-35B Interior Set (Zoom)

This set contains the first fret from the full interior set reviewed above. Given the risks associated with much of the second fret, this would seem to be a sensible purchase for many modellers.

F-35B Exterior Set

This set contains a host of parts for the rest of the airframe. Various extra details are provided for the landing gear and landing gear bays, including some rather nice-looking hydraulic lines, scissor links and wheel hubs. Details for the inside faces of the landing gear bays are also included. Some of the larger parts on this fret include the flame holder for the engine afterburner and parts for the lift fan intake, exhaust and the lift fan itself.

Conclusion

These are both excellent sets from Eduard and they will make a real difference to the basic kit. A little cutting and folding will be required, but the end result should be worth it. If your budget won't stretch to the full sets, then the interior zoom set will make a more than adequate compromise. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of