Eduard 1/48 Tempest V series I
| KIT #: | 84171 |
| PRICE: | $15.00 'used' |
| DECALS: | two options |
| REVIEWER: | Scott Van Aken |
| NOTES: | 2020 release. Weekend Edition |
| HISTORY |
The Hawker Tempest is a British fighter aircraft that was primarily used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Second World War. The Tempest, originally known as the Typhoon II, was an improved derivative of the Hawker Typhoon, intended to address the Typhoon's unexpected deterioration in performance at high altitude by replacing its wing with a thinner laminar flow design. Since it had diverged considerably from the Typhoon, it was renamed Tempest. The Tempest emerged as one of the most powerful fighters of World War II and was the fastest single-engine propeller-driven aircraft of the war at low altitude.
Upon entering service in 1944, the Tempest performed low-level interception, particularly against the V-1 flying bomb threat, and ground attack supporting major invasions like Operation Market Garden. Later, it successfully targeted the rail infrastructure in Germany and Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground, as well as countering similar attacks by German fighters. The Tempest was effective in the low-level interception role, including against newly developed jet-propelled aircraft like the Messerschmitt Me 262.
| THE KIT |
Whenever Eduard releases a new kit, they start off with the Profipack
version. If you don't want the photoetch or masks and want to save some money,
wait a few months and a weekend edition will be released. I should mention that
I've NEVER completed one of these in a weekend. These boxings are generally
limited in markings options and there are frequently parts you cannot use
because of a lack of photo etch.
The sprues are all nicely molded and I did find a bit of flash on some parts, but nothing that cannot be easily removed. The cockpit is nicely appointed and uses decals for seat harness and instruments. This assembly includes side wall framework and along with the tail gear well and the intake that you build up, are trapped in the fuselage halves.
As usual with Eduard, the main gear wells are made of multiple parts in order to provide the maximum detail. These parts are attached to the upper wing halves, which, when complete, are attached to the lower wing piece. This then fits to the completed fuselage, followed by the rudder, horizontal stabs and elevators. Ailerons are next along with the upper cockpit section and the tail gear. As a note, it appears that Eduard included the series II wing with this kit. The early series I aircraft should have an upper wing fairing to access the wing spar and this wing does not have it. See the reference for more info.
This is followed by the main landing gear along with the multi-piece wheel/tire assembly. All the lower antennas and clear pieces are then attached. On the upper surface are the cockpit clear bits, engine exhaust and the prop. Follow the directions well to be sure you are using the right parts for this variant.
Instructions are the standard book format with Gunze and Mission Model paint
references. The two markings options are dark green and ocean grey over medium
sea grey. Yellow wing leading edges with Sky fuselage bands and spinner. Both
options have full d-day stripes. One is Roland Beaumont's plane as shown on the
box art. The other is from 3 squadron, both from June 1944. Decals are nicely
printed and you get a full stencil suite.
| CONCLUSIONS |
This kit replaces their earlier boxing from when the company was just getting underway and is a huge improvement over that earlier kit. Based on past experience, this one will probably be a fussy build, but if one goes slowly and carefully, one should have a very nice replica.
| REFERENCES |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawker_Tempest#Tempest_Mk.V
September 2022
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