THE KIT
Well over 40 years ago, one of the
first kits I ever built with my Dad
was a 1/72 Matchbox Lysander.
As with many other Matchbox kit
subjects, I’ve retained an affection
for the type ever since, so when
this Eduard version became
available, I was eager to build it.
Originally released by Gavia
in 2001, Eduard’s latest Profipack
boxing was released in 2016.
Comprising around 90 injection
moulded plastic parts (depending
on which of the marking options
you choose to build), it also
includes a photo-etch fret, a small
number of resin components,and comprehensive die-cut paint
masks for the glazing. A resin
message boom pivot and photo-
etch pick-up spiral are provided for
use with some marking options,
along with a large fuselage-
mounted supply container.
This is all contained in a
sturdy top-opening box. The main
airframe mouldings feature a nice
simulation of fabric covering,
along with recessed panel lines and
fastener details where appropriate.
Being an early Eduard product,
location features on the parts are
few and far between, but most
of the assembly is easy enough
to perform without them.
Decals are well-printed and
feature comprehensive stencil
details. The instructions are
clearly presented in the standard
Eduard booklet format, including
full-colour paint and marking
schemes for five aircraft.
The standard kit has a
reasonable amount of detail
included, but the complexity of
the real aircraft means that there
is plenty of scope for adding more.
The separately available Eduardphoto-etch set #48367 contains
many additional features, a few of
which are duplicated on the kit’s
etch fret; although now difficult
to source, it is well worth seeking
out. Once I managed to obtain one
I gathered my reference books and
some online images and set to work.ENGINE, COWLING, AND
PROPELLER
Since I like modelling mechanical
detail, I began construction with
the engine. The Bristol Mercury
is nicely represented, with
nine separate cylinder barrels
assembled around a central
crankcase. The cylinder cooling
fins did require some cleaning up
along their mould lines, but once
completed really looked the part.
I added the radial pushrod
covers, but deviated from the
instructions slightly by using
aluminium tube and plastic rodto form a more realistic stepped
profile. I also added some photo-
etch bolt heads around the
crankcase. The rear mounted intake
manifold fits without problem.
I painted the engine using
a combination of Vallejo Air
Aluminium and Black, with a MIG
dark wash for the cylinders, and
Tamiya Gunmetal weathering
powder to highlight the raised
details. The final touches to
the engine were the three
distinctive triangulated braces
from the photo-etch set, which
were painted aluminium and
secured with PVA (white glue).
The kit contains what appears
to be a U-shaped pipe that was
intended to fit around the engine’s
gearbox extension. I couldn’t find
any photographs of a Lysander
with this feature, so I left it off.WWW.SAMPUBLICATIONS.COM • MAY 2018 • 65
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