Eduard 1/72 Spitfire Mk.VIII Photo-Etch Sets
By Jacob Russell
Here are a pair of Eduard photo-etch sets for their own Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII kit. The first set (item #72645) is devoted primarily to the interior. It consists of 30 pieces on a single fret. It includes upgrades such as a new seat, seat framework, seat armor, throttle quadrant, rudder pedals, etc. It also includes more enhancements such as radiator exit doors, cockpit door with crowbar, tail wheel doors, landing gear doors, rudder actuator...
The second set (item #72646) is a pair of landing flaps. 22 parts comprise this set. It is pretty complex, especially given it's in 1/72nd scale. You will have to remove the kit flaps and replace them entirely with the PE parts. You will also have to supply several lengths of 0.3mm wire and 0.5mm plastic rod. The end result will be spectacular, just be prepared to take your time. And make sure that you have an Optivisor or magnifying device, photo-etch scissors and a good folding tool.
Eduard's 1/72nd scale Spitfire kits are superb. They are accurate and well detailed. I really like the fact that I can select the detail level I desire, through the purchase of Overtrees, Weekend Edition or ProfiPACK kits. And then I can up the ante, with Eduard's PE or Brassin sets, to transform that set of Overtrees or Weekend Edition into a "magnum opus" model if so inclined. Freedom of choice is a good thing. I recommend these sets and I would like to thank Eduard for providing the review samples.