Although the Airfix 1:48 scale Chipmunk T.10 nicely detailed, this detail set from Eduard will add that extra detail that is so difficult to replicate convincingly.

There are around forty-one parts in this set on two frets, with fourteen pre-painted. Before you start a some of the plastic moulded detail needs removing. These areas are indicated in red in the instructions. There are a few unpainted parts that need folding including brake lever housing, trim wheels various levers and the upper engine access panel. Two parts need bending: a cover on the engine block and both engine access panels. The engine access panels need to be folded and carefully bent. You do need to remove the air scoops on the plastic parts and attach them to the PE panel.

Each instrument panel is made up from two parts. If you look at the images the part with the instrument faces with the textured paint surface is the backing onto which the instrument panel face is placed. The textured painted surface won’t be seen. The instrument faces and detail look excellent as do the compass faces and instruments for the left side of the cockpit sidewall. The PE parts for the left sidewall include the throttle and mixture levers that need folding. There are a couple of circular parts with rivet or screw detail for the base of the control sticks. There are a couple of frames with rivet detail for the seats and the trim wheels on the left of the seats. The brace for the rear of the canopy is included as well as the canopy handles.

Externally there is a inspections hatch on the tail and the battery hatch just behind the canopy included. There is also the fuselage doubler and the rail for the canopy. The kits spin recovery strakes on the tail have PE replacement

There are no seat belts included with this set, these are available separately [FE 1226].

Instructions are printed on both sides of a A4 sheet and are generally very clear. Instructions rely on colour coding and symbols and as such easy enough to understand. 

Conclusions

Although the Airfix kit contains a fair bit of detail, this alternative from Eduard provides more subtle additional detail along with the convenience of the pre-painted parts. The engine access panels are a great inclusion particularly for showing of the kits engine. Its certainly not the most complex PE detail set Ive seen, so may be a good one to start with if your a novice. The lack of seat belts might be a disappointment to some.

Our thanks to Eduard for this review sample

491225 - Chipmunk T.10 Photo Etched Detail Set – 1:48

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