My birthday is coming and I buy my own models. Been thinking about a Tamiya Swordfish (Italieri Sunderland is also in the running - not keen on U-boats this year). Can get a Mk I which would help sink the Bismarck but comes without PE. For plus $10 Mk II is available for sinking U-boats and with PE. PE available alone, natch, for about $10. What's the PE for? Is it to add realism because it emulates the kind of bracing used, or is it there to please those builders that don't like rigging? I've done biplanes and rigged ships - don't mind using monofilament. However, if the PE is more true to the aircraft, it might be worth it. Stringbag fans out there?
Eric

The PE isn't desperately needed, but it does come with a few parts which otherwise don't exist in the kit. Also, the rigging wires were streamlined RAF wire, which the PE wires portray perfectly. All in all, it's very worth your while to get the PE add-on set. The kit is engineered to use it without troubles.