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PART's 1/72nd Scale Photoetch Stitching and Controlhorns & Turnbuckles

By Michael Kendix

 

Recently, a new manufacturer of detailed photoetch sheets has come to the fore: PART from Poland. Distributed by Jadar-Model, their products now number several hundred different sheets of brass photoetch details. Modellers of World War One aeroplanes have been in search of photoetch sheets that contain a large number of frequently used items on it. For example, Tom's Modelworks produces a single sheet for "British Interior" that is excellent but some of the pieces are rarely used while others are used up after building a couple of models; PART has now filled some of this void.

Sheet S72-159 contains lengths of "stitching" that can be used to represent the zigzag stitching detail on the fuselage of World war One aeroplanes. The detail is fine and simple, and the brass is fairly robust but not too thick.

Sheet S72-161 is more complex. Entitled "Controlhorns & Turnbuckles" it contains a number of different sections. The first is five rows of control horns, each different but they look applicable to numerous types; modellers will have to check their references. A second section contains oval and rectangular shaped "holes" that are to be glued onto the fuselage to represent fabric reinforcements for rigging attachment points.

A third section contains a block of small items that look a bit like cow heads with horns. These are to be used at the base of struts to attach the rigging as shown in the diagram. Finally, there is a block of "Turnbuckles" that are to be glued directly onto the rigging.

PART is to be congratulated for producing such fine detailed work. Personally, I do not know whether I will use all these components, however, the stitching, fuselage hole fabric reinforcements, and control horns appear straightforward to use. In particular, the stitching will come in handy for some kits that are generally good in detail but are absent the fine details that can really produce "An eleven" (out of ten - ref. the film "Spinal Tap").

My only criticism is that there are no instructions included. I do not know about everyone else but I am baffled when I look at most photoetch sheets for the first time. I suggested the inclusion of instructions to the distributor who said that it was a good idea that he would pass the idea onto the manufacturer. I understand that it is the manufacturer’s intention to include such a sheet in future. The entire line of PART's photoetch can be viewed at http://www.part.pl and both the reviewed photoetch pieces are produced in 1/48th scale.

Acknowledgement

Thanks to Witold Kozakiewicz and the folks at Jadar-Model for the review samples.