Fairey Fulmar Mk.II

Eduard, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Eduard's 1/48 scale Fulmar Mk.II will be available online from Squadron.com
 

Life has been good for WWII Fleet Air Arm fans in the last year or two. We have seen a new Skua and Roc from Special Hobby, a Tamiya Swordish Mk.II and MPM's Fulmar Mk.I in 1/48 scale alone.

Now Eduard has packaged the plastic sprues of MPM's Fulmar, added the specific parts required for the Mk.II variant, included comprehensive photo-etched details and canopy masks, provided an attractive new decal sheet and branded the kit as a limited-run Eduard offering.

MPM's 1/48 scale Fulmar Mk.I was released in mid 2007, around the same time as their (Special Hobby) Skua. Both these kits featured really lovely, crisp recessed panel lines and subtly raised fabric control surfaces. The quality of the surface detail was, in fact, very similar to the previous generation of Eduard kits. Even the narrow sprue connections and rounded sprue corners were reminiscent of Eduard.

It therefore seems fitting to now see this kit in an Eduard box, and with all of Eduard's welcome accoutrements.

Eduard's 1/48 scale Fairey Fulmar Mk.II comprises 129 grey coloured plastic parts; 13 clear parts; 1x nickel plated photo etched fret; 1 x coloured photo etched fret; masking sheet for canopy and wheels; and a decal sheet covering five markings options.

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Thumbnail panels:

Panel lines are very fine and crisp. There are a lot of them too, so go easy on the shading and weathering when painting the model. The panel lines and convincing surface texture are supplemented with recessed circular fasteners on the nose.

The plastic parts are further detailed with a large nickel plated photo-etched fret, and colour PE parts for the cockpit.

Transparencies are admirably thin, but it is a little disappointing that the sliding section of the forward canopy is moulded as a single part with the windscreen.

Canopy masks are a thoughtful addition for this large glasshouse. Masks are also supplied for the wheels.

Markings for five aircraft are included on the high quality decal sheet. All options are finished in Dark Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey upper surfaces over Sky. The first marking option features and yellow fin and a Fulmar marked with Stars (but no bars) for Operation Torch lends sme variety.

It is important to note that the plastic parts are the result of limited run technology, and some extra time will be required to ensure alignment of the parts before commiting to adhesive. I am pleased to observe, however, that the gap between Czech limited run kits and mainstream offerings seems to be closing fast.

Eduard's 1/48 scale Fairey Fulmar Mk.II is a well detailed kit featuring fine surface texture and very nice decal options.

Being limited run, some extra time and care will be required when preparing and assembling the plastic and resin parts. Even so, if you have built any limited run kits before, this should not present too many nasty surprises.

Now, which after-market manufacturer will be first with a wing fold set?

Highly Recommended to experienced modellers.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2008 by Brett Green
Page Created 18 February, 2008
Last updated 18 February, 2008

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