Eduard 1/48 AIM-9J Sidewinder First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | January 2016 | Manufacturer | Eduard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | AIM-9J Sidewinder | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 648197 | Media | Resin, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nice rendering of the AIM-9J, optional seeker covers | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $13.00 |
First Look
Eduard from the Czech Republic is easily the most prolific producer of aftermarket details. Period. Their series of photo-etched detail sets have brought additional fidelity to otherwise bland subjects, and have taken even the best-produced models and kicked them up a notch or two with details that cannot be produced with injection-molded plastic. Many AMS modelers will collect the relevant Eduard photo-etch sets for a given project, but they'll also go out and gather specific resin enhancements as well. Eduard has stepped up with a new product line to complement their photo-etched detail series - Brassin. Brassin is a play on words with Brass and Resin, and in many sets in this series, the resin details also include a set of color photo-etch as well.
In this release, Eduard has replicated the AIM-9J Sidewinder in 1/48 scale which will enhance a wide range of 1/48 scale USAF fighter subjects. The Juliet was the first production version of the Sidewinder built to Air Force specification which included a digital seeker, more powerful actuators, and the distinctive clipped double-delta guidance fins. This version was the first to be effective in dogfights.
This set includes four streamlined-nose airframes, four sets of guidance fins, four clear seeker lenses, four optional seeker covers, and a set of photo-etched motor rings. These missiles will enhance the loadout of your next USAF subject whether an F-4D or an F-16A (or anything in-between), grab a set or two as these look better than any kit missiles you'll find to date.
My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!