Eduard 1:48 Tempest Mk.V Series 1 ProfiPack Edition
We can't think of anyone doing more for aircraft modellers than
Eduard. Not only content in bringing us some of the best photoetch
and resin upgrades on the market they've established themselves
as producing some of the most mouthwatering kits available. The
recently released Tempest is a great example, available from the
most basic approach (Eduards 'Overtrees' are sprues only in a plain
box) through to more deluxe offerings in their ProfiPack series which
include big decal choices, photoetched parts and pre-cut masks.
Here we're presented exactly that, the beautiful Series One
Tempest with a choice of six RAF markings and pre-coloured
photoetch. The level of surface detail Eduard achieve is quite
staggering; not just a series of indents to suggest rivets but every
fastener head, raised rivet, recessed rivet and various panel line
gaps are represented faithfully with great finesse, so much so you
need to be careful of how much paint you're applying! The airframe
also features posable control surfaces and detailed wheel wells...it
really leaves you wanting for nothing. The cockpit offers more depth
of detail only made better by the printed photoetch and the clear
sprue offers an excellent canopy and lenses. Landing gear and
wheels are also very nice with the smooth tyres not causing any
problems when hiding the joint, of course Eduard are offering a
multitude of detail upgrades, more of this later...Decals are by
Cartograf and as always are crisp and in perfect register. Two
RNZAF markings and four RAF offer choices of with or without
invasion stripes, all UK based in 1944. Eduard set themselves a
high benchmark with their new generation Spitfires and Me 109s
but they continue to maintain the standard; superb.