Most aircraft scale models come with built-in color schemes. When modeling a WWII Japanese aircraft you are kinda expected to show up with either a green one or a light gray one. If you like to model Century series (F-104, F-106, etc.) fighters you're more or less stuck with a natural metal finish. And if you're a fan of the SR-71 Blackbird it is forbidden to paint it in any color other than black. Although, you might get away with a deep deep deep dark blue. Modern USAF aircraft (F-15, C-130, etc.) now come in any of color you like, as long as it's gray. Which is not to say that one doesn't have any options when it comes to choosing an optional paint scheme for your latest modeling project.

Although the canopy is not complex, it needs to be masked both inside and outside. The frame lines are faint in some areas and using the Eduard masks make the job much easier. There are 10 individual pieces for the inside of the canopy and 6 for the outside. All follow the frame lines, are easy to place and fit perfectly

The EOTS sensor cover on the bottom of the aircraft is also covered in the Eduard set. This piece has molded frames, but once again, they are inconsistent in how sharp they are molded. The pre-cut masks again fit perfectly and are easy to place.

Eduard also includes masks for the wheels so you can paint the tires in whatever black you want to use and then apply the mask and paint the wheels. Once again, these fit perfectly to the kit wheels. There is also a mask for the landing light.

Speed Graphics is that sub-part of Reid Air products which have focused (initially) on Modern Fighters, particularly USAF and some export birds. Their line-up to date is small but impressive. Thanks to Reid Air for sending IPMS USA this review item, to Dave for the nod to move out on them, and Dick for bringing the sheet to the Nationals for me.

This release is a complex, well-researched product. Designed for Tamiya’s venerable, accurate, F-15C and E kits in the huge 1/32 scale, this is a great place to start your aerie for Eagles. Better have a new addition to the house as well. For the record, this kit was built up to the point of decal use and application/finishing, due to this being a Decal review and not a total kit review.

For the record, here is the content description from the website on the sheet:

If you are fan of Soviet and Russian aircraft, the model gods are listening and continue to produce kits which fill gaps in coverage in 1/48. A-model had released the Yak-28 family of jets in 1/72 and now it looks as if Bobcat Hobby will do the same in 1/48. This is a straight styrene-only kit, with a manageable parts count.

First out of the gate is the Yak-28P “Firebar”. Never exported, this was a Soviet interceptor from the 1960s and 1970’s that had that classic Soviet propaganda appearance. A stable flight platform, it carried a more powerful radar and complex weapons systems than the single engine interceptors. It was eventually replaced by the Mig-23 family. Since it was only in Soviet service, and has been out of service for 35 years, few reference photos are available. The best source of photos, are walk-arounds of preserved airframes, but many of these aircraft are incomplete and there are no clear cockpits photos, except for a few period shots.

I already have Eduard’s excellent F6F-3 Hellcat in US Navy markings in my growing stash waiting for my skills to catch up to the beauty of the kit. I am no expert on the Hellcat, so when Eduard announced their Royal Navy markings “Weekend” version of an already well received 1/48 version of this aircraft, I jumped at the chance to do a review build as a warm-up. The Hellcat’s history is well known and extensively documented, so let’s get on with impressions of this 1/48 scale plastic version.

This kit issue (#8435) is the identical mold tooling as Eduard’s previous issue in other markings. The difference being the inclusion of the plastic sprues only, without the photo-etch, masks and/or resin included in their higher priced, more detailed offerings (which are now out of stock on Eduard’s website).