Eduard 1/72 Airfix Swift FR.5 Aftermarket
By Matt Bittner
When Airfix released their new-tool Swift FR.5 in 1/72 there was actually a lot of happy people. Until that point the only Swifts in 1/72 were either vacuum formed or short-run injected kits. Now that there's a mainstream, plastic injected kit out the 1/72 world is definitely pleased.
Naturally companies would start releasing aftermarket for this excellent kit and Eduard was one of the firsts.
Masks (CX424) | |
Photoetch set (73533) |
Not only does the mask set cover all clear pieces (although you'll have to provide your own masks for the centers of the larger panels) but the set also comes with masks for both the main and nose wheels. Paint the wheels the color they need to be, apply the masks and spray your favorite tire color and you'll have perfect color demarcation.
The fuller photoetch set naturally includes interior pieces but also includes a second set of photoetch for the exterior. For the inside of the model you receive items to add to the instrument panel; additional items to add to the side consoles after sanding those consoles "smooth"; sides of the ejection set that again need material removed from the kit part; an entire sweet of belts for the seat; foot rests for the seat (which means removing said foot rests from the kit's floor); ejection handles for the seat; and fold-up pieces to add to the rudder pedals.
For the exterior of the Swift Eduard provides parts to add to the insides of the wheel wells (both nose and main); new interior surfaces also for the main and nose wheel well doors; a new tie-down for the nose gear; and a front-frame for the sliding canopy.
If you want extra detail to add to your Airfix 1/72 Swift then by all means pick up the photoetch set. Even if you don't want all that detail you'll still want to pick up the masks since it will save you time creating your own masks for the kit.
I definitely thank Eduard for sending these sets to review.