Supermarine Swift upgrade sets for Airfix kit - 1:72 Eduard

[Paul A H]

Supermarine Swift upgrade sets for Airfix kit

1:72 Eduard

Airfix's Swift was something of a surprise when it was announced in 2013, and although its release was severely delayed by apparent production problems, it seems to have been received pretty well. Owing to a change of policy at Airfix no review samples were sent out, but we do at least have Eduard's photo etched upgrade sets to peruse. Two sets have been released. One covers the cockpit and a few details around the airframe, while the other contains a set of replacement landing flaps. A set of pre-cut paint masks has also been released.

Swift 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 data panels, harnesses and pull handles. Also included on this fret is a multi-layered instrument panel, rudder pedals and details for the gun sight and side consoles. On the unpainted fret are parts for lining the main and nose landing gear bays and doors, as well as torque links for the main gear legs. Also included on this fret is a part detailing the inside of the canopy.

Swift Landing Flaps

This set contains a set of landing flaps to replace the plastic version provided with the kit. Apart from cutting away some of the moulded plastic detail from the kit parts, construction is largely a case of folding the parts that fit into the wing and glueing a handful of small parts in place, and then repeating the process for the flaps themselves. If you haven't used a set of photo etched flaps before and are nervous about messing them up, then you could do worse than start with these.

Swift 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 model up a little, then the first set will make a more than adequate choice. The landing flaps, on the other hand, will help elevate the model to another level. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[Dave Fleming]

The first is a self-adhesive, pre-painted jobbie

To my Scottish ears, that has unfortunate connotations!