Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $49.95 Web Site: www.eduard.cz If anyone doubts that Eduard has joined the big manufacturers, they should take note of how well Eduard pulls a 'Hasegawa' by re-releasing kits with special markings. However, Eduard does them one better by always providing added value with color photo etch, colorful markings and masks. The latest version of the Bristol F.2B is no exception starting with the box art that made my 9yr. old daughter say "cooool". This is truly a Czech model (get it, 'Czech'!! I crack myself up sometimes!). Inside the box you'll find 4 tan sprues of 164 detailed parts, one fret of color photo etch details, a large sheet of 'kabuki' tape masks and decals for one aircraft. Looking over the instructions you will see that no less than 47 of the plastic parts will sacrifice themselves to the spare parts bin. The surface detail is very fine, sharply defined and scale appropriate. From the stitching to the interior ribbing I found the details to be well defined, which should ease painting and hold a wash nicely. While a complete engine is not included, they have included full radiator details as well engine sides that can be viewed at the exhaust openings. This is a thoughtful touch that allows for an uncomplicated assembly but still provides detail. There is an option of closed or open radiator shutters but given the decals, I will opt for closed. Another touch that I appreciate is that both wings are molded in one piece which eliminate glue seams and sets the proper dihedral. This is crucial since the fuselage actually sits above the lower wing, which makes me wonder if you couldn't complete the wings as a unit and then install the fuselage…hmmm…. There is a wiring diagram included but you will need to use the box top as a reference for attachment points as well as to determine which wires are doubled. Instead of trying to represent the red and white checkerboard pattern with decals, Eduard provides a large sheet of square masks. This is a smart move since it eliminates the entire step of trying to apply decals and then stripping them in frustration and painting them on anyway! The decals provided are sharp and in register, but it is here that the kit falls short. When you examine the box art you will note that the area surrounding the mouth is a green streaked area, simulating the crocodile skin. Eduard only supplies the mouth as a decal - leaving the modeler to simulate the 'skin' area by hand (the box art will be a key reference for this step). But really this is a minor quibble - given the bumps and contours, getting decals to lie down correctly would be difficult. Overall, I am very impressed with this kit although all of the painted checks and rigging can seem daunting. But I am looking forward to getting started!!

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