Home | What's
New | Features
| Gallery |
Reviews | Reference
| Forum
| Search
|
|
Reviewed by Brett Green
Tamiya's 1/48 scale Skyraiders are another example of the Japanese manufacturer's beautiful workmanship. However, the kits do not come equipped with an option for folded wings. Cutting Edge Modelworks has come to the rescue for modellers wanting to depict this feature. Cutting Edge's A-1 Skyraider Folded Wings Set comprises 20 grey resin parts packed very safely in a sturdy cardboard box. All parts on my sample are completely free of casting flaws or pin holes. This set will convert both wings to folded configuration. It will not give you workable folding wings. Cutting Edge has carefully considered the engineering of their conversion. The have supplied totally new resin outer wing panels and new upper wing inner panels. Both of these sections have nice detail moulded onto the wing fold joining surfaces. The outer wing panels have the wing fold hinges moulded on. This parts breakdown has a number of advantages. The folded wings will be very simple to assemble; the resulting join will be quite robust; and there are no fiddly parts required to detail the wing join itself. Four optional "canvas" covers are supplied for modellers perverse enough to want to hide all that lovely wing-fold detail. The covers look great, with authentic fabric texture, plus identifiable seams and fasteners. The 20mm cannon are supplied separately to permit unarmed versions to be built. Instructions include four helpful scrap drawings, two photographs, general notes and construction notes; although it would have been nice to see CE's usual labeled parts breakdown. It's a little hard to figure out exactly where all the parts go. Nevertheless, Cutting Edge's instructions remain consistently excellent. Modifications to the Tamiya kit are minimal. The lower wing must be cut to accommodate the folded wing. Even though this cut is along a panel line, take note of the instructions and "measure twice, cut once"! The casting blocks on the resin parts are quite big, so some care and forethought will also be required when removing these. There is still room for extra detailing such as hydraulic lines and springs if you feel inclined. This is a well detailed, cleverly engineered and high quality conversion that will enhance your Skyraider. Recommended. Thanks to Meteor Productions for the review sample Cutting Edge Modelworks Resin Conversion Kits are available at Meteor Productions Website Review and Image Copyright © 2000 by Brett
Green
| ||||||||||||||||||||
