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Special Hobby have released three upgrade sets, and a mask set for their 1/48th SIAI-Marchetti SF-260M/AM/W kit. Here we take a look at these sets.

History

The SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 (now Leonardo SF-260) is an Italian light aircraft which has been commonly marketed as a military trainer and aerobatics aircraft.

SF-260 Cockpit centre console and seats w/harness

This upgrade set comprises of five resin parts and a small photo etch sheet.

The set replaces the kits seats and centre console, plus the photo etch supplies harness's for the seats, plus two handles for the front seats, three levers for the centre console, and one lever for the sidewall.

Detail for the seats has a lot more finesse for the cushions, and the P.E harness's replace the decals found in the kit.

The centre console comes as one resin part, and also has the floor part for the two forward seats. This part just fits over the kits part, so no surgery is required to install it. The levers add a touch of detail too this highly visible area of the kit.

Mfg. ID - 129-4481

Suggested Retail - 13.70 €

SF-260 Wheels

These resin parts replace the kits plastic parts and have a lot more detail moulded onto them. The kits parts are all two parts each, which does mean you will have a seam to contend with. The resin parts are all one piece each.

The A.M parts have a nice tread pattern on them, plus the manufacturers writing on the tyres, of which the kits parts are lacking. The hubs detail is more refined, with the brake callipers a lot finer then the plastic equivalent.

Mfg. ID - 129-4480

Suggested Retail - 6.50 €

SF-260 Exhausts

The exhaust set from Special Hobby are 3D printed and replace the kits plastic parts.

The plastic parts are basiclly just a small plastic rod, but the 3D printed ones do feature a bit more detail, and the ends have been hollowed out.

The parts are very small, so not much of them will be seen once the are fitted.

Mfg. ID - 129-4482

Suggested Retail - 4.01 €

SF-260M/AM/W INSIDE/OUTSIDE MASK

This set from Special Hobby are pre cut Kabuki style masks.

The set holds masks for the inside and the outside of the main canopy, and windshield. Only the edges are supplied, so another material needs to be used for the middle, such as masking fluid or tape.

Also included in this set are masks for the tyre part of the wheels. Both main and nose wheel masks are included.

As with all mask sets, they are easy to use and apply, and will give you an easy option for painting the canopy and wheels.

Mfg. ID - 100-M48024

Suggested Retail - 8.00 €

Conclusion

The base kit these sets are destined for is the 1/48th kit, which was reviewed here.

1/48th SIAI-Marchetti SF-260M/AM/W | AeroScale

All the sets are very well cast or printed, and the ease of use is a major plus, as they just replace the kits parts, with no surgery needed to install them.

The cockpit set is a very good upgrade, and with the big canopy a lot of the cockpit will be seen.

Likewise the wheels do add a little more detail to the overall look.

The exhausts are a take it or leave it affair as not much of them is seen.

The canopy masks, are always handy to have, as if like me you hate making masks, then these are a timesaver.

Our Thanks to Special Hobby!

This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.