Platz has released three new photo etch sets for their very nice 1/72 Mitsubishi F-1 kit. One was sent in for review and it covers mostly the cockpit of the aircraft with a few bits for the exterior airframe. The other two sets are for primarily wheel wells and for engine exhaust/flaps. Getting back to this one, the builder will need to remove some of the kit bits or sand down areas in order to get this to fit properly. For instance, the set includes new bang seat sides that will need the removal of the old ones. A set of belts is included was well. In the 'sand down' arena, this refers to the instrument and console panel faces as well as some raised detail on other areas of the cockpit.

The set is quite complete and includes new throttle quadrants, fuse box faces, cockpit interior sidewall faces, canopy interior bits as well as come tags for landing gear, new formation lights and various antennas and probes along with their associated mounts.

The etched set itself is superbly done with many parts being in full color. It is made under contract by Eduard, so you know that the quality is there. This would be a good set for someone to get their feet wet in photo etch. It has the small bits that many really like, yet you do not need to use all of them if you do not wish to. Like all Platz etch sets, it comes with a comprehensive and well drawn construction guide.

It is an excellent set that will surely add a lot to your next build.

March 2014

My thanks to www.platz-hobby.com for the review set.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.