After the cockpit the second thing that aircraft modellers consider modifying on a model is dropping the flaps. It can make for a more interesting and more realistic looking model. In the past we’ve had to really on either scratch building the modification or purchasing an aftermarket one. Eduard has been leading the way with photo etched [PE] flaps. They can be very intricate and challenging to build with lots of careful bending, alignment, gluing and a test of patience. 

The contents are placed in a pretty robust box, so there is not much chance of the precious contents being broken. I noticed the instructions had been placed in such a way that prevented the contents from rattling inside.

Eduard has created this split flap set using resin 3D printed technology that promise a much simpler solution than using a purely PE based product. The flaps are cleanly formed with well-defined ribs and extension mechanism. There are even panel lines too. The flaps are attached to the casting block with around thirty-seven small branches. They look easy enough to remove with minimal clean up. There is a diagram in the instruction showing the set of the flaps when dropped.

You can’t have a Brassin set without something bright and shiny. Eduard has utilised PE for the upper internal portion of the flaps. There are alternative PE parts depending on whether you are displaying the gun bay open. Some minor folding is required, just bending the brass 90° to box in the area. The recessed rivet and panel line detail is exquisite as you would expect.

Obviously, some surgery is needed. The flap on the lower wing needs to be removed completely and a slim length of the trailing edge of the upper wing needs parring off. The areas that need removing are clearly marked in the instructions. 

Instructions are printed on a couple of A5 sheets of paper and very easy to follow.

Conclusions

This Brassin flap set for the Hawker Tempest Mk.II promises to be a much simpler affair to install compared to your usual purely PE flap sets. It will certainly save you time and probably wont tax your patience. Highly recommended.

Price: £8.37 from the Eduard online shop

Our thanks to Eduard for the review sample.

648686 – Brassin Tempest Mk.II Landing Flaps – 1:48

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