Eduard 1/72 Zvezda Su-27SM Aftermarket
By Matt Bittner
The Zvezda Su-27SM is a very recent release and can be considered the best of that aircraft in 1/72. It truly is "state of the art" and needs to be seen. In all practicality aftermarket really isn't needed for it, but every kit has room for improvement.
To answer the call Eduard has produced both a "full" (#73509) and Zoom (#SS509) photoetch sets. Both sets include the same, mainly interior set and the "full" release includes another photoetch fret with a lot more items added.
The interior photoetch fret contains a lot of items for the ejection seat. First is added a new back-piece, side pieces and head rest. To that is added all the shoulder harness pieces, seat belts, leg holders and the ejection handle. There are new console sides that are added to the cockpit tub along with other panels and rudder pedals. There are items to add to the back of the cockpit, behind the ejection seat under the canopy. You also receive a replacement, and more scale-accurate gun sight/Heads Up Display (HUD).
Since the larger set contains another photoetch fret it contains a lot of landing gear and gear well detail such as wiring and brake lines, amongst other "stuff". There are items to add to the weapon pylons, ends for the missiles and lots of antennas, both replacements and those missing from the kit.
So, depending on if you want a little or a lot of extra detail, Eduard has the photoetch set for you.
A big "thank you" to Eduard for supplying the review sets.