White Ensign Models 1/72 Sunderland Exterior Detail Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | August 2004 | Manufacturer | White Ensign Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Sunderland Exterior Detail Set | Scale | 1/72 |
| Kit Number | PE7202 | Primary Media | Photo-Etch |
| Pros | This set provides the outer wing float rigging and four different types of Yagi antennas that were all used to give the Sunderland radar 'eyes' to find those elusive U-Boats. | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | Approx $12.75 |
First Look
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 set supplies the vast number of yagi radar antennas that are located around the aircraft, the outer float rigging, and even the pitot-static mast located aft of the cockpit.
This set is designed to work with White Ensign Models' Detail Set PE7206 - Cockpit 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.
My sincere thanks to White Ensign Models for this review sample!