Eduard 1/32 F4F-3 Wildcat Interior Detail Set First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

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.

This release tackles the cockpit of the Trumpeter 1/32 F4F-3 Wildcat kit (early or late versions). This set is comprised of three photo-etched frets, two of which feature color-printed details. Take a look at those images.

The instrument panel is three layers of color photo-etch that beautifully captures the details of the printed instrument faces. To make assembly easier, this set uses a self-adhesive process that is really a glue laminate on the back of the color-printed parts, so you can simply position and press each part into place. The red handles will need cyano to install, but that is one detail you won't have to paint.

As I said above, this set provides a nicely detailed new instrument panel that mounts on the kit's styrene frame. New photo-etched rudder pedals dress up the kit pedals and a new center pedestal replaces the kit part.

The set provides a new pilot's seat which you'll origami into shape and paint. Onto this seat goes the nicely done color printed shoulter harnesses and seat belt.

This set adds additional structural detailing in the cockpit to replicate the look of the open floor platform framework. New sidewalls, side consoles, and map cases round out the details in the cockpit.

Since this is the only set of the five detail sets that features color printing, this set also has the color Pratt & Whitney logo for the engine gearbox as well as a few maintenance placards.

While this set will really set off the detail in Trumpeter's F4F-3 kit, this detail set is not for the beginning modeler. You will need to be able to remove the photo-etch parts from their frets (simple once you know how) and then be able to apply these details using cyano adhesives without gluing yourself to the kit parts. It isn't difficult, or else these sets wouldn't be so popular.

You should be able to find any of these detail sets at your local hobby retailer or one of the many online hobby shops. Trust me, they are worth looking for!

My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!