Modell-Hobby has released a neat looking instrument panel for the recently released 1/72 Airfix Swordfish. The two part instrument panel also includes finely printed instrument faces printed on acetate.
Contents:
Inside the small resealable bag is:
-1 x small photo etched piece.
-1 x small printed acetate sheet.
-Painting and assembly instructions are located on the back of the packaging.
The small single etched fret contains the two piece instrument panel with some excellent low relief detail. I like the look of the very slightly raised areas around the instruments. The panel itself is made up from one larger piece onto which the smaller central panel is added. The PE instrument panel has holes where the instruments are located. The single piece of clear acetate has some exquisite printed dial details. The detail is very sharp and very convincing particularly when held up to the light. A quick alignment of all the parts reveals that the instrument faces and the holes line up perfectly. The painting instructions suggest painting the back of the acetate so that the clear areas show up more readily. But be careful you paint the correct side. The painting instructions for the photo etched part is adequate, a look at some reference images of the cockpit will certainly add a bit more interest to the instrument panel than the painting guide suggests. Modell-Hobby suggests using black as the main colour.
As you can imagine the parts are very small and they will certainly test your painting skills highlighting the detail. But those lovely printed dials will save you some time and effort. You will finish with the sort of detail only master modelers can achieve.
Conclusions:
Modell-Hobby has seen a niche for themselves with this simple but highly detailed PE and printed acetate detail set. The sometimes complex Eduard cockpit releases don't appeal to all. This release will certainly attract the modeler that is happy to fit out the cockpit with a well detailed instrument panel and is not to bothered about fully detailing the cockpit.
Nicely done Model-Hobby.
SUMMARY
Highs: The low relief detail is just right. The printing on the instrument dials is very well done.Lows: Maybe a little more detail with the paint guide.Verdict: This will certainly enhance the look of the pilots office for the Swordfish. Highly recommended.
Our Thanks to Modell-Hobby! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
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