The Elliotts EoN Eton TX.1 was a British primary training glider developed after the Second World War. Built by Elliotts of Newbury, it was based closely on the famous German Schulgleiter SG 38, a simple and robust training glider that had been widely used in Germany before and during the war. The British EoN Eton retained the same basic philosophy: a lightweight, uncomplicated aircraft designed to introduce beginners to the fundamentals of flight.

With its open tubular framework, high-mounted braced wing, fabric-covered flying surfaces, and single-seat arrangement, the Eton was an ideal machine for teaching the basics of soaring. Launched by bungee cord, it offered young pilots their first experience of flight in a safe and inexpensive manner.

The type found use with British flying organisations, including the Royal Air Force Air Training Corps, where it helped introduce generations of cadets to aviation. Although simple in appearance, the Eton TX.1 played an important role in developing flying skills and enthusiasm among future aviators.

Special Hobby first introduced its all-new tooling of the SG 38 in 2015. The company later released several versions based on this tooling, including the EoN Eton TX.1, which appeared in 2020. This was a natural choice, as the British Eton was, in practical terms, a direct copy of the SG 38 design.

The particular kit previewed here is the 2020 EoN Eton TX.1 edition, kindly donated in good numbers by one of our beloved Greek hobby shops to our local modelling club, to be offered to newcomers attending the modelling seminars we organize.

The kit comes in a medium-sized, side-opening cardboard box of very good quality. The attractive box art, designed by artist Standa Hájek, depicts a British Eton TX.1 gracefully gliding through the sky and immediately captures the character of this unusual aircraft.

Opening the box reveals a single medium-sized sprue molded in dark grey plastic, containing only twelve parts (and even not all of them are to be used, as they cater for different versions). Molding quality is excellent, with sharp and crisp details throughout. Only a few minor mold separation lines are present, and these can easily be removed during normal preparation.

One of the most impressive aspects of the kit is the representation of the real aircraft’s construction. The delicate tubular framework is beautifully reproduced, while the fabric-covered flying surfaces have a convincing texture that captures the appearance of the original.

A basic seat is provided, exactly as on the real aircraft. The cockpit - if it can really be called one - is simple but convincing, featuring the rudder pedals and footrests. The only noticeable omission is a set of seat belts, which were quite prominent on the real aircraft and would have enhanced the model further.

A cockpit surround is also included. This feature was present on some, but not all, Eon Eton and SG38 versions, consisting of a light structure surrounding the pilot, possibly offering some protection or simply providing additional support to the cockpit area. Its inclusion allows the modeller to represent those aircraft fitted with this distinctive feature.

The instructions are exceptionally well produced, presented as a full-colour 12-page A5 booklet printed on excellent quality paper. They are clear, concise, and easy to follow, guiding the modeller through the simple construction process.

Five marking options are provided: two British aircraft, one Belgian example, one Finnish aircraft, and one additional French subject. The decals are beautifully printed, with excellent colour density and perfect register. They appear thin and should perform very well during application.

Assembly begins with the attachment of the tailplanes to the main framework, followed by the beautifully molded one-piece wing. The rudder pedals are then installed, and the cockpit surround is added depending on the version selected, concluding a build which could hardly be simpler, something entirely appropriate considering the simplicity of the original aircraft. Apart from proper alignment, the only area requiring additional care is the delicate framework, as many of the parts are very thin for the scale and should be handled carefully during assembly.

A most distinctive feature of the Eon Eton TX.1 is undoubtedly its extensive rigging. While the model can be completed without adding it, modellers willing to spend extra time reproducing the rigging (for which a detailed drawing is provide) will greatly improve the final appearance and bring the delicate structure of the glider to life.

The EoN Eton TX.1 has attracted attention from a few manufacturers over the years, with both Huma Modell and KP also releasing their own versions of this unusual and historically important glider. This Special Hobby’s edition stands in a very strong position thanks to its excellent molding quality, ease of construction, superb decals, and attractive price.

Special Hobby deserves praise for choosing such an unusual subject. The Eton TX.1 is certainly not a mainstream aircraft, and producing a kit of this important but often overlooked training glider was a bold decision. Nevertheless, Special Hobby has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to tackle lesser-known aircraft, and this release is another very pleasant surprise.

The kit itself is beautifully executed. Molding is excellent, parts count is pleasantly low, and the fabric representation and tubular framework are among its strongest features. The instruction booklet is superb, and the decals are of very high quality.

Construction is enjoyable and straightforward, making this kit suitable not only for experienced modellers looking for something different, but also for beginners who wish to build a unique aircraft. With careful handling and the addition of rigging, the finished model can become a truly impressive representation of this pioneering glider.

Definitely a kit worth tackling.

Thanks to Elenisgiftbox for the review sample.

Happy Modeling 

Spiros Pendedekas

August 2026

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