Photo Etch detail sets for Airfix Beaufighter Mk.X - 1:72 Eduard

[Paul A H]

Photo Etch detail sets for Airfix Beaufighter Mk.X

1:72 Eduard

With the resurgent Airfix apparently going from strength to strength, fans of British aircraft types have, as Harold Wilson said, never had is so good. Things are about to get even better however, with the imminent release of the new Shackleton, Whitley and Beaufighter kits. It is the latter with which we are concerned here, as although the kit hasn't quite reached the shelves of the model shops yet, Eduard have already prepared several sets of goodies to satisfy the appetites of detail-hungry modellers. So far we have a set of photo etched parts for detailing the airframe inside and out, a 'Zoom' set which is dedicated purely to the interior, a set of landing flaps and a set of pre-cut masks. Resin replacement wheels and exhausts are just around the corner.

Beaufighter Mk.X SA

1:72 Eduard

Although we haven't had a chance to fondle the plastic ourselves just yet, if the Beaufighter lives up to the rest of Airfix's recent output then it will be pretty good. Nevertheless, Eduard have managed to cook up a few extras with this set of parts. Included is a new multi-layered instrument panel, parts for the throttle and a whole host of parts for the cockpit sidewalls. The rudders and control yoke benefit from some extra parts and there are pre-painted harnesses for the crew seats.

Turning to the rest of the airframe (and the second fret), Eduard have provided replacement details for the rudder and elevator actuators, as well as a whole host of fine details for the landing gear, including detailed linings for the landing gear bays, brake lines and structural details for the main landing gear legs. The kit's 60lb rockets gain ignition wires, while the torpedo also acquires a few details. Details for the landing light and mesh for the air intakes round the package off.

Beaufighter Mk.X Interior

1:72 Eduard

This set contains the pre-painted fret from the more extensive set reviewed above. In other words, if your priority is to add detail to the interior and you're happy with the rest of the kit the way it is, then this is probably the set for you.

Beaufighter Mk.X Landing Flaps

1:72 Eduard

In typical Eduard style, these flaps make extensive use of folds rather than lots of parts, which helps make construction relatively painless. You'll need to pay close attention to the instructions though, particularly when it comes to cutting away the corresponding parts of the kit's wings. Unlike some other Eduard flaps, no wire or plastic rod is needed in order to finish them off.

Beaufighter Mk.X Pre-Cut Masks

1:72 Eduard

In keeping with their other pre-cut mask sets, this set contains masks for all of the transparent parts, as well as the tail wheel (no masks are needed for the main wheels as the tyres and hubs are moulded as separate parts). For a model with a fair amount of glazing like the Beaufighter, they are a great time (and stress) saver.

Conclusion

Although Airfix's Beaufighter is, at the time of writing, an unknown quantity in terms of the fit and finish of parts, there was always going to be demand for aftermarket upgrades. Eduard have been first to market - even beating the kit onto the shelves of model emporiums - and with this handful of items they have provided pretty much everything you need to finish the kit to a high standard. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[Fea]

Ayup...

Pedants corner here...

Nice sets, but wrong Harold. It was Harold Macmillan who said that. Still nice sets though. does the zoom set have a heating tube in resin with it ?