Eduard Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin, Etch & Mask Sets - 1:32 Eduard

[Viking]

Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin - 1:32 Eduard
Steel etched set  (33 188)
Pre cut mask set (JX211)

 

 

33188 Steel etched set.
Following the recent release of Wingnut Wings Sopwith Dolphin, Eduard have produced one of their excellent pre coloured etched sets for it. Consisting of 12 items, the most prominent are the two parts of the lap belt. Coloured to represent the canvas and leather original, they have detail that just would not be possible to paint by hand. None of the other parts in this set are coloured, as they are sub-components of other items that will need painting anyway.

The wicker seat included in the Wingnuts kit is very well moulded, but of course cannot reproduce the gaps between the wicker strands. This is where etched steel is the perfect material, as it can perfectly replicate the look. The corresponding area from the Wingnuts seat back will need to be removed, and this part shaped by rolling around a dowel, to replace it.

 

Further items are a couple of filler caps on chains for the oil and fuel tanks, toe straps for the rudder bar,  pulleys that go under the clear inspection panels in the wings, and some sights for the Lewis guns. Enough are supplied for two Lewis guns, should you follow the option of fitting both.

 

 

JX122 Pre cut mask set.
On the standard yellow kabuki tape, this little set provides some very handy items that would be difficult to produce yourself.  Getting a neat edge painting around the central boss on the propeller is never easy to do freehand, so the circular mask provided here should make that job simple. Likewise, there are masks to go on the wheel hubs, to ease painting the tyres.

The clear parts also receive attention, with protection for both sides of the windscreen, and all four of the clear inspection panels in the wings. Although small, these items are particularly welcome as the bottom edge of the windscreen is an awkward shape, and the inspection panels are tiny, with rounded corners. Whether you brush paint or spray, masking these is essential.

 

 

Conclusion.
There is not much that needs to be added to a Wingnut Wings kit, so the items on this set from Eduard have been well chosen. The lap belts and wicker seat alone will probably justify its purchase to most modellers, with the other items being a nice bonus.

The masking set takes all the difficulty out of getting sharp edges to the tyres and prop boss. Making masks for clear parts can be a real chore, and it is difficult to get them right, so it is good to see this neat little set that takes all the strain out of it.  

Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of