Re.2002 Landing Flaps

Destined to the 1:48 scale Italeri kit, Eduard's photo etched Re.2002 Landing Flaps set comes in a typical zip lock bag of the Czech manufacturer. It is composed of one PE fret and a small A5 size construction notice.

The number of parts is relatively low (34) but some are quite complex and will need some careful bending work. Of course, dedicated tools will be mandatory (like flat pliers or a proper PE bending tool) as well as Cyanoacrylate cement (Super Glue) to get the best out of this set.

The relative low number of parts doesn't mean that the level of detail is basic, to the contrary, once assembled, the Landing Flasp look much more detailed and more finely rendered as the plastic ones provided in the kit (see accompanying photos). Having build the set, I can tell you that only a minimal amount of glue is necessary during the assembly. There is no reason to flood the parts with Cyanoacrylate cement to keep them together as this will eliminate the fine detail on the metal's surface. In most cases, the capilarity action of liquid CA glue is only what is needed to keep the pieces together. However, extreme care is required when handling the fine metal parts which are very fragile. Take care not to bend the bigger ones or it will be very difficult to get them to their initial shape again.

Of course some parts of the original kit will have to be removed but this is cleary explained in the instructions. In most cases the stigmates on the model will be hidden by the new metal parts, so it won't represent a too difficult task to blend them in. One has to find two 0,6 mm thick and 55 mm long rods to complete the flaps as they are not provided in the PE set.

Construction

Overall, I would say that construction will take between one and two hours, depending on your experience with such products. The finished flaps are easy to put in place and I encountered no problems during the assembly and while fitting them to the model. Of course, you must glue them at the end of the build as they will remain very fragile to handling. But the final result is welll worth the efforts!

Conclusion

Eduard's Re.2002 Landing Flaps set is a high quality product and the way to go if you want to display your model with the Landing Flaps lowered. There is no reason to hesitate as the PE parts represent a great improvment over the original kit parts.

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