JAS-39C upgrade sets for Revell kit - 1:72 Eduard

[Paul A H]

JAS-39C upgrade sets for Revell kit

1:72 Eduard

Whilst not quite as prolific as they once were, Revell are still a huge player in the hobby, and on their day they are capable to turning out top-quality products. Their new Saab Gripen is one such kit, welcomed by modellers not least because it makes a more appetising proposition than the relatively elderly Italeri kit. Now Eduard have released a hand full of sets to help you make the most of it.

JAS-39C 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 one-piece instrument panel as well as details for the side consoles and decking behind the cockpit.

On the unpainted fret are parts for the rest of the airframe, including a range of details for the main and nose landing gear bays, doors and parts for the landing gear itself such as brake lines and scissor links. The flame holder for the engine afterburner is included too, as is a new lining for the inside of the jet exhaust. Also included are bits and bobs for the airbrakes, missile rails and IFR probe. Nice bonus features include FOD guards for the engine intakes and a hinge for the cockpit canopy.

JAS-39C Interior Set (Zoom)

This set contains the first fret from the full interior set reviewed above. If you're broadly happy with the rest of the kit, then this set might be the more sensible purchase for the budget-conscious modeller.

JAS-39 Ladder

This set contains a complete crew access ladder for the Gripen. There are relatively few parts as the main components fold up from one or two pieces, but the instructions are not brilliant. I would recommend working from the photo of the finished article on Eduard's website.

JAS-39C 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. On the other hand, the addition of the second fret and the crew access ladder will transform the kit into a much more detailed proposition. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of