Among the latest releases from the Japanese manufacturer and retailer Platz is a co-production with Eduard in the form of etched details for the F-2A - Japan's enlarged version of the F-16.

Designed for the Hasegawa kit, the set arrives in a neat plastic wallet with a card liner, and one thing that I like is that Platz pack the etched fret in a separate bag inside which avoids the chance of snagging the parts when you open the main packet.

The fret contains 40 new parts aimed mostly at the cockpit, but with an engine face and nosewheel oleo for good measure.

The kit's ejector seat receives a major makeover, with no less than 14 new parts (remember, this is 1:72!), including pre-painted harnesses and firing handles. Also pre-painted are the main instrument panel and side consoles. The detail here really is quite astounding - far finer than you could hope to paint, and more subtle than even the best decals that I've seen.

The set continues with new rudder pedals, sidewall details, cockpit sills and a new HUD (for which you'll need to supply a small piece of clear film).

The instructions are classic Eduard, simply translated into Japanese, and are colour coded to indicate where the etched parts attach and if surgery is needed on the kit's original pieces.

Conclusion

Platz's F-2A etched set looks like it'll turn Hasegawa's kit's cockpit into a real gem. It's not overly complicated and there aren't any difficult folds to make, but the small size of some of the parts means a little experience is recommended.

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