Fred Hultberg of Fotocut has just sent me his latest photoetch detail set for the 1/32nd scale Spitfire. This is a review of that set.

This set should be a fine addition to those of you that wish to add further details to the Revell or Hasegawa kits. It is considered to be a "blueprint set" taken from scale plans; therefore, some difficulty may be encountered when fitting some of the details. I have not tried to fit the pieces to either company's kit so I can't comment on its ease of application.

The details are etched onto two neoprene mats. Each piece is very sturdy and easily removed from the backing. The bulkheads are thick and appear to be scale in appearance. A nicely etched seat is included. It is made up of a number of pieces. Some bending is required in the construction of the seat. This requires careful attention to be paid to the exact location of each bend, as it is not etched into the pieces. The instrument panel is made up of four photoetch parts. A single sheet of photo acetate instruments is to be sandwiched between two of the panels creating a realistic instrument panel. Instrument Bezels are also included for those wishing to add that detail to their instrument panels. Other items included are: Sutton Harness with buckles, sidewall and floor details, armour plate and finally, many of the cockpit quadrants.

Instructions are included with the set and I am sure that modelers will find the diagram of the Sutton Harness particularly helpful. The instructions state, and I strongly agree, that good references are required. I would suggest MAP plans for the Spitfire, AeroDetail or the SAM Publications book on the Spitfire as a good place to start. There are a limited number of diagrams included with the instructions to aid in construction, but text is supplied.

I am sure that with a little effort a nice cockpit should result from this set. Previous photoetch experience would be extremely useful in the construction of this Cockpit Set.

Review Samples Compliments of Fotocut

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