Eduard 1/72 Airfix F4F-4 Wildcat Aftermarket
By Matt Bittner
Not long after the new-tool Airfix 1/72 F4F-4 Wildcat was released Eduard started producing aftermarket for it. There are three sets covered: masks (CX432), Zoom photoetch set (SS538) and a more "fuller" photoetch set (73538).
Masks CX432 | |
Zoom SS538 | |
Photoetch set 73538 |
The masks naturally cover all the clear pieces – including the belly windows – as well as the wheels.
The Zoom set is just for the interior. You'll find replacement rudder pedals in which you'll need to perform some surgery on the kit piece. There are also replacement cockpit side consoles, again needing a removal of the kit items from the kit's floor. The set comes with not only belts for the seat but also replacement structure the seat will sit on. After sanding the instrument panel flat Eduard gives you a multi-piece enhancement. Finally there are small pieces to add to the port cockpit sidewall.
The more complete photoetch set not only comes with the Zoom interior set but also one more fret of parts. On that fret you receive replacement flaps (multi-piece, fold-up affairs). There are enhancements to the firewall that is visible through the landing gear bay. You receive enhancement pieces for the wing fold-up areas. For the horizontal tail pieces there are replacement balances and control linkages. For the landing gear you receive two fold-up interior-facing landing gear doors. Finally, depending on if you want to use the external fuel tanks or not you have two options within the photoetch fret. If you do want to use the fuel tanks you receive replacement, more accurate "hangars" that attach to the fuel tank. If you don't want to use the fuel tanks then you receive just the "hangars" to add to the model.
In my opinion, if you decide to show the wings folded you'll want the fuller set since it comes with better looking flaps. If keeping the wings out then the Zoom set might be good enough – unless you also want to show the flaps open anyway, then get the fuller set. Whichever way you go, though, you'll definitely want to pick up the mask set since it will save you time masking the clear pieces and wheels.
My thanks to Eduard for providing all aftermarket.