The kit arrived in the post yesterday. Although I have not had the time to start this build, I did get a chance to look at the kit and take some pics of the sprues. There is some question as to whether MH712 (depicted on the box art) qualifies for this GB. Hopefully, the judges will rule in favor but if not, I will have to evaluate my choices... I've grown partial to his particular aircraft including that pointy tail fin!
The clear parts come in the Eduardian circle sprue. The canopy (two version: open and closed) looks nice and thin with the frames showing a subtle matt texture.
Not including the clear parts, the kit comes with four sprues of dark grey plastic. Molding is VERY fine. The first thing I noticed are the numerous fine rivets on the fuselage. Based on pictures of finished builds, the rivet effect is quite subtle and not as heavy handed as, say, a Trumpeter kit. One of few complaints regarding this kit shows up on the fuselage sprue... the upper cowling is divided into two parts when molding it into a single part would've been quite simple to do and would've eliminated the obvious seam.
The wings are similarly detailed with very subtle recessed panel lines and rivets. The wings come sans wing tips to accommodate different versions.
This sprue contains most of the cockpit components. The molding here is good but not state of the art. As you can see from the closeup of the side panel, the detailing is a bit flat and soft. I counted some 50 parts (plastic and PE) for the cockpit assembly alone so it should build up into a quite acceptable looking office, especially considering the small fuselage opening... I may have to build this with the canopy and door open.
The bomb rack bracing is impressively fine. The circular bomb fins are on the thick side and will have to be thinned if the bombs are used. A molded instrument panel and decal are provided, giving the modeler the choice between this and a nicely detailed PE instrument panel.
The fourth sprue contains some exterior details including the four-bladed prop, spinner, and two sets of exhaust pipes, round and fishtail. The exhaust pipes deserve a mention of their own. They are exquisitely molded and feature hollow openings! First time I've seen this on a set of injection molded exhaust stacks... makes you re-think what is possible from these progressive model making companies!
Wheel hubs are molded separately from the tires, which makes painting that much easier. Two hubs are provided: four-hole and five-hole versions.
The wing cannons unfortunately do not break new ground like the exhausts and feature solid barrel ends. These will need to be hollowed out manually.
The Profipack edition includes a sheet of photoetched parts. The most significant inclusions here are the multi-part instrument panel and a set of seat harnesses. My only complaint here is that distracting fabric-like texture on the black instrument panel. I've had some success in the past toning that bumpiness down by applying a flat coat.
The decals are provided on two sheets. One is for the individual aircraft markings. Markings are provided for six aircraft. A separate decal sheet is provided for the stenciling.
The instructions are your typical Eduard glossy color sheets... superb!
Hey, where are the canopy masks? Hopefully, I just forgot to take a picture of them and are lurking somewhere in the box! Looking forward to starting on this one soon!