English Electric Lightning F2A upgrade sets for Airfix kit - 1:72 Eduard

[Paul A H]

English Electric Lightning F2A photo etch detail sets for Airfix kit

1:72 Eduard

Airfix's new Lightning F.2A (soon to be joined by an F.6) was one of the most eagerly anticipated kits of last year, at least amongst those for who 1:72 is the preferred scale. After the false dawn of the slightly dodgy Trumpeter kits, the new Airfix kit filled the gap created by tired old kits from the likes of Hasegawa that were tooled donkey's years ago. Now Eduard have released a suite of upgrade sets to help you make the most of the new kit.

EE Lightning F.2A Self-Adhesive Set

In usual Eduard style, the first set is divided into two frets. The first is a self-adhesive, pre-painted jobbie that focuses mainly on the cockpit, while the second is a plain brass fret. Amongst the items on the first fret are lots of extra details for the kit's ejector seat, including seat cushions, harnesses and pull handles. Also included on this fret is a multi-layered instrument panel, rudder pedals and details for the side consoles and decking behind the cockpit. Pre-painted details for the insides of the air brake bays are also included.

On the unpainted fret are parts for the rest of the airframe, including the rear turbine faces for the engines, the main and nose landing gear bays, doors and the landing gear itself. Also included on the second fret are parts for detailing the inside of the canopy (assuming you wish to finish it in the open position), various aerials and antennas and a FOD guard for the nose. The latter in particular is a nice touch.

EE Lightning F.2A Interior Set (Zoom)

This set contains the first fret from the full interior set reviewed above. If you're happy with the kit's undercarriage (and it looks pretty good to me) then this set might be the more sensible purchase for budget-conscious modellers.

EE Lightning F.2A Die Cut Flexible Masks

This set contains pre-cut paint masks for the canopy and the landing gear, making painting these two areas an absolute piece of cake. If you haven't used Eduard's paint masks before, I can highly recommend them.

Conclusion

These are neat sets from Eduard which will make a noticeable difference to the basic kit. If you just want to spruce the cockpit up a little, then the interior zoom set will make a more than adequate choice. The paint masks, on the other hand, are pretty much indispensible. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of