F-4B Phantom Etched Sets for Academy. 1:48 Eduard

[Shar2]

McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom

1:48 Eduard Etch Sets for Academy

To compliment the already released etched flap set, Eduard have now produced two new sets for the Academy F-4B Phantom. Each set comes packaged in the usual poly sleeve with protective card inserts.

Interior Set (49644). This set comes on two sheets, one partially pre-painted and wholly self adhesive, the other standard relief etched brass. There is also a small sheet of acetate for the HUD glass. The detail on the kits cockpit parts needs to be removed first otherwise the etched parts will not stick well. The unpainted parts include the HUD frame, the rear cockpits starboard sidewall with additional small details fitted to it, and backing boxes for the front and rear cockpits.

The pre-painted parts are for the front and rear instrument panels each with backing plates which have the instruments painted on them. A drop of Klear or Aqua Gloss will help give the impression of the instrument glass. Then there are the side consoles, and various auxiliary panels on either side of the main instrument panels. The layering of the parts does give a good impression of depth greatly improving the look of the cockpits.

The second sheet is unpainted, but due to the relief etching process does have some lovely detail which will look great with some careful painting and dry brushing. The parts include several details for the between cockpits bulkhead, rear cockpits panel structure, pilots rudder pedals, circuit breaker panel, cockpit sills, plus upper centre and rear bulkhead details. The windscreen and both canopies are fitted with new frames, whilst the canopies are also fitted with sill details and rear view mirrors.

Seatbelt Set (49605). As the name suggests this set provides a complete set of seatbelts and other straps for both seats. The seat squab covers are also provided plus a pair of replacement upper and lower seat firing handles. A nice touch is a number of remove before flight tags which will give an extra splash of colour for the competed model.

Zoom Set (49644). Is the basic set for those who don't want to add too much extra detail to their models but just enough to lift it from the norm. This set has just one sheet and this is the same as the partially pre-painted sheet mentioned above.

Conclusion
These sets may not be very large, but they do provide some very useful and colourful details for both cockpits. The pre-painted parts look really good and will save on an awful lot of hassle trying to paint the same areas with such detail. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[bootneck]

Very nice review Dave. I especially like the seat belts set which would be great for modellers (like me) who can be a bit clumsy when we try to detail the cockpit areas.

I have the Hasegawa F-4B but I don't think there would be too much difference between the Academy and Hasegawa version, so will probably get the seat belt set at least.

cheers

Mike