Eduard 1/72nd SPAD XIII Profipack By Matt Bittner

Since I've already described the original kit in detail in the February 2004 edition, I plan on concentrating on only the differences between the "non-profi" kit to this release.

The Kit

The photoetch fret isn't as comprehensive as one might think. This isn't a bad thing as I believe the non-profi kit out of the box is just fine. What Eduard caters for on the photoetch fret are things one might consider "necessities" that photoetch can best provide. Those items are bezels for the instruments, seat belts and other interior and exterior pieces that are best provided as photoetch. The exterior pieces that really stand out are the aileron control cranks, and the covers over the side-fuselage panels that lead to the engine bearers. There are three types catered for - none (which the photoetch provides "just the frame"), "screened" and "louvered". Like I said, excellent choices for putting into photoetch.

The decal options are another area where the profipack shines. There are six machines catered for: René Fonck's from Spa 103; Frank Luke Jr.'s from the 27th Aero; ADJ Marius Blanc from SPA 81 ("The Greyhounds"); Gorman DeFreest Larner's from the 103rd Aero; Bertini's from the 91e Squadriglia, Trieste, Italy, August 1918; and a machine from Air regiment No.1, Czechoslovakia, early 1920's. All in all an excellent selection and the decals are sharp and in register. Not only are the major markings included, but so are some stencils and instruments for the interior. A really nice touch that gives Eduard extra kudos is including the rudder serials both as part of a full "striped" decal, and just by themselves. That way, if you're like me, and you like to paint your rudder stripes on, you can use just the serial decals by themselves.

Conclusion

I've already ranted about this kit in its initial release, but I need to rant more. This is an awesome kit that has been sorely neglected these past few years in 1/72nd. Eduard has taken 1/72nd biplane production to a whole new level. I'm currently working on the first release, and aside from a few very minor fit problems, the kit goes together quite well. Plus, more importantly, it looks like a SPAD XIII.

I'm very gracious to Eduard for sending the kit for review.