White Ensign Models 1/72
Sunderland Cockpit Detail Set

White Ensign Models was not content with producing a nice array of resin warships in 1/350 and 1/700 scale, nor even expanding into their Colourcoats range of accurite color paints. Now they've pushed into the realm of photo-etched detail sets with one of the first being a spectacular detail set for the Revell/Germany 1/72 Type VIIB U-Boat.

This this set and two companion sets, White Ensign Models has expanded into aircraft details, with this set targeted for the venerable Airfix 1/72 Short Sunderland flying boat. The Sunderland served the RAF as a long range reconnaissance and anti-submarine platform. Developed from the Empire Class Flying Boat, the Sunderland had an endurance of over 13 hours.

The Airfix kit has been around for quite a while and is a nice replica of this subject. Even in 1/72 scale, the aircraft is quite large with the fuselage measuring in at almost 14.5 inches. With all of this potential, it is only natural that WEM would expand from ships to flying boats.

This photo-etch set divides the flight deck into three separate compartments, with the cockpit in the forward section, the navigator's station in the middle section, and the wireless operator's station in the rear section.

In the cockpit alone, there are new consoles, instrument panel, flight controls, throttle quadrant, overhead console, crew seats, and even seatbelts and harnesses. The navigator's station is equally detailed with a desk, instruments and even a goose-neck map light. The wireless radio operator's station is also completely decked out with radios on the desk and even a clipboard.

There is even a set of details to dress up the mooring bay in the nose which is revealed when the nose turret is retracted.

This set is designed to work with White Ensign Models' Detail Set PE7202 - Exterior Details and PE7207 - Depth Charge Compartment Details, both of which are also reviewed here on Cybermodeler.

As you can see in the photo, the detail set is not complex, but it is thorough and will turn the 'office' of the Sunderland into a scale replica. If portions of the fuselage were cut away, the result would be a museum-quality model!

My sincere thanks to White Ensign Models for this review sample!