Eduard Z-526AFS Akrobat Update Sets (for Eduard) 1:48

[Mike]

Z-526AFS Akrobat Update Sets  (for Eduard)

1:48 Eduard

 

 

Eduard’s newly tooled kit is quite the little gem, and you can see our review here.  Eduard's new range of sets have been designed to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner, taking advantage of other technologies to give your kit a lift.  Get what you want for the areas you want to be more of a focal point.  As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE), SPACE and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between.

 

 

 

Z-526AFS Akrobat SPACE 3D Printed Cockpit Decals (3DL48060)

The Eduard SPACE sets use new 3D printing techniques that lay down successive layers of different colour resin, creating highly realistic almost full complete panels that are supplied on a decal sheet.  They can depict metallic shades, plus glossy, satin and matt colours too, which really ups the detail on everything they print.  In addition, a small sheet of nickel-plated and pre-painted PE is included for the aspects of the set that lend themselves better to this medium, such as seatbelts and rudder pedals.

 

 

The decals include two different instrument panels, dials for the wing-top fuel gauges (with a spare), and two different coloured elasticated map pockets for the sidewalls that require the moulded-in styrene version to be removed before fitting.  The PE sheet gives you a full set of four-point harnesses complete with the comfort pads under the buckles.  Someone at the factory slipped up with my pack however, as I ended up with three sets of belts.

 

 

 

Z-326/526 Wheels (648729)

Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department.  That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument.  They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement.

 

 

This set is exactly that.  There are three wheels, all of which are straightforward replacements for the kit parts once the casting blocks have been removed, all of which are on the contact patches at the bottom, which are slightly flattened to give the impression of weight on the tyres.  There is a sheet of kabuki tape masking material that is pre-cut to allow you to mask the hubs/tyres off with ease and a clean demarcation.

 

 

 

Z526AFS Akrobat Masks Tface (EX833)

The first boxing includes masks for the exterior of the canopy, but the TFace masks are supplied on a larger sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with everything for the exterior, but also give you another set of canopy masks tailored to fit the interior of the glazing so that you can paint the interior and give your canopy that extra bit of realism, which will be useful thanks to the kit having extra parts for inside the canopy.  A set of wheel masks are also included in case you don’t already have a set, allowing you to cut the hub/tyre demarcation easily.

 

 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of