Eduard have released a set of etched brass landing flaps for their 1:48 Wildcat.

The flaps arrive in a resealable bag with a card backing to prevent them being damaged in transit and complete with comprehensive instructions. I'll say straight off, you're really going to need the instructions and this upgrade is definitely only suitable for experienced modellers.

Each flap comes with a full bay for the wing and involves some tricky folding and rolling. Done right, the end result should look excellent - reproducing the full-sized structures in miniature - but it's certainly not something to rush into. The hinge covers look like they will be particularly fiddly, and Eduard offer two ways of doing them; either trim the moulded versions off the kit's wings, or make new metal ones using a ballpoint pen (or similar) to form the brass parts into dimples. 

As far as possible, I'd recommend completing the flaps and bays before doing any surgery on the kit but, obviously, if you choose to use the moulded hinge covers you instantly hit the point of no return.

Luckily, the instructions are excellent, spread over four pages and showing clearly how to make the parts and modify the kit to accept them.

Conclusion

It's worth remembering that Wildcats rarely had their flaps lowered except for servicing and immediately before and after take-off and landing, but Eduard's etched brass parts should look superb if you've got the necessary skill to construct and fit them. So, not a modification for the faint-hearted, but the finished model will certainly grab attention at a club meet or show.

Item #481086 is available now from Eduard - Price: £13.77

Many thanks to Eduard for the review sample.

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