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).

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 is impressive, filled with USAFE , PACAF, and Stateside Rhinos and Vipers… take a look. Thanks to Reid Air for sending IPMS USA this set, 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 superlative-laden F-16 series, you can build from an early block 10 Viper all through the block 42. Invest heavily in the aggressor version, as you will need it to properly configure your jet, or you can go the resin route and have an AMS feast. Your budget limits the choice.

This is a detail set for the excellent Bf 109F-4 (kit84146) from Eduard that I wrote up in a separate review. Another in the "Zoom" sets this includes the instrument panel, rudder pedals, seat harnesses and other small cockpit details. There are radiator faces for front and back, screens for the tropical filter and the actuator arms for the filter cap. One important addition is the tail reinforcement strips added to the "F" series aircraft after a structural weakness was revealed. Topping off the set are some details for the canopy and antennas.

As with all the Zoom sets I've used from Eduard this one is worth the instrument panel and seat harnesses alone. I used all but the tiniest parts and am really happy with the results. Highly recommended the addition to an already outstanding kit.

Thank you to Eduard for the sample and to IPMS for this forum to share it with you.

This sheet features markings for some of the more unique and colorful F-16s in use around the world. These decals are sized for the Tamiya series of F-16 kits. There are enough stencils to model two complete F-16s in 1/48. The package includes one 8 ¼ in. x 10 ¼ in. decal sheet, stencil guide, and walkway marking layout. The decal sheet is packed full of decals, some extremely small, but even the smallest are crisp and clear.

Paint & marking guides are provided for the following aircraft:

These decals are intended for the Tamiya series of F-16 C/D Viper aircraft of the 64th AGRS and 414th CTS Squadrons from Nellis AFB. Modeling notes are included so the decals can also be used on the Hasegawa kits. The Tamiya Aggressor kits are preferred, however the ANG kits can be used as well. These are all block 25/32 jets.

18 marking options are provided: