Editors note: This Eduard photoetch set is also contained in the recently reviewed Eduard Cat. #32679, also self adhesive. It is Fret Part 1 in the larger set.

Eduard Model Accessories has produced another fine set of photoetch parts to help complete your Supermarine Spitfire Mk. VIII. The set is for up-detailing the cockpit to a highly detailed replica of a Spitfire Mk. VIII cockpit. As an added bonus the parts on the fret are prepainted and have an adhesive backing.

You will find two large instrument panel parts; one is pre-punched and assembles as a front layer for the unpunched one. When assembled together they will make up the main instrument panel. The colors are accurate and the printing is so fine it would be impossible to duplicate by hand. The fret also contains peripheral instrumentation, control brackets, quadrants, a placard and switch panels, compass face, gunsight, etc. There is a film included for the gunsight reflectors with two of each size needed, i.e. you get an extra set of reflectors.

The instruction sheet is two sided and relatively easy to follow. The front side shows line drawings of the relevant sub-assemblies and the application of the inividual parts. There are four boxes depicting the shading codes as shown on the drawings. Original kit parts are depicted as black and this clearly indicates the melding of kit parts to the photoetch to produce unmatched accuracy. The back side gives general guides on how to remove and apply the parts.

As with all photoetch sets, this set will require a degree of skill to use. The pre-painting will save a lot of time and being self-adhesive mating them to the kit mountings should be a piece of cake. The trick is to cut the parts loose from the fret while it still adheres to the backing sheet; then work it free with the appropriate pointy thingy or tweezer to apply to the base. With luck the carpet troll will go unfed as you build up this set.

Thanks to Eduard Model Accessories and IPMS/USA for my review sample.