Eduard 1/48
F-22 Raptor Detail Set

Eduard from the Czech Republic is easily the most prolific producer of aftermarket details. Period. Their series of photo-etched detail sets have brought additional fidelity to otherwise bland subjects, and have taken even the best-produced models and kicked them up a notch or two with details that cannot be produced with injection-molded plastic.

Such is the case with this detail set, released back in 2000 just after the Italeri release of the only 1/48 kit of the production F-22A out there. As with most Italeri kits, the kit has some nice detailing overall, but is a little spartan in the cockpit and a few other spots. This detail set definitely fixes many of the areas where the detail is a bit 'soft'.

The set consists of two frets of photo-etch, one acetate sheet containing the multifuction screen frames, and one color-printed sheet with lit screens. These last two items sandwich behind a new photo-etch instrument panel, then mount on the kit part which has been modified per the instructions.

In addition to the instrument panel, cockpit updates include new side consoles, details for the ACES II ejection seat including seatbelts and harness.

Inside the weapons bays, this set provides hinge details missing for the door actuators. The main landing hear also get a number of details that will take some close-up work to install.

The canopy receives a number of down-lock plates, but you'll have to fabricate the unique-looking canopy seal and that defrosting plumbing visible at the extreme front of the canopy.

The set provides a better looking pair of interior two-dimensional nozzle pedals for each of the F119s, plus a flame-holder/afterburner injector ring array.

The set is rounded out with a number of access plates that are located top and bottom of the airframe. You'll have to take a peek at some of the more current aircraft to see if the aircraft you're modeling have any other detail changes since the first aircraft rolled off the production line.

This is a nice enhancement to the Italeri kit and will definitely set off the completed model with more visible detail.

Recommended for experienced modelers!