Platz have released a neat photoetched upgrade set for Hasegawa's 1/48 scale Mitsubishi F-2A. The set comprises 56 parts and is produced in association with Eduard - in effect, it is an Eduard product aimed directly at the Japanese market. So the parts are accompanied by the same style of instructions we're used to, but with the twist that most of the text is in Japanese. It'sgood to see that Platz have kept the colour-coded diagrams to indicate where original kit parts need removal or modification - the simple system works well and really does help.

Platz's set appears to be based on an existing Eduard fret dating from 2004, but the big development since then has been the introduction of pre-painted parts and this new version takes advantage of the technology to good effect. The set adds detail to Hasegawa's cockpit with a harness, firing handles and placards for the ejection seat, new rudder pedals and a completely revised instrument panel with multi-layer bezels, controls and displays. The canopy is dressed up with an interior frame and rear-view mirror.

On the exterior, there's wiring, oleo scissors and placards for the landing gear and nozzle covers for the rockets.

Conclusion

Compared with some sets, this is quite a simple one and would make a good one for intermediate-level modellers looking to try their hand at a photoetched upgrade for the first time. The pre-painted parts are very good, adding plenty of detail beyond the scope of the steadiest hand-painting and the enhanced cockpit should look most effective.

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