Eduard 1/48 Spitfire XVI Essential BigSin Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | January 2016 | Manufacturer | Eduard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Spitfire XVI Essential BigSin Set | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 64820 | Media | Resin, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Grouping of useful updates in one box | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $57.00 |
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.
If you've been using Eduard's detail sets for a while, you'll know that for the AMS modeler, they combined all of the photo-etched details for a particular subject into a single package in their BIG ED series. Buying the BIG ED sets can give you some sticker shock, but if you add up the prices of the individual detail sets and masks included in each BIG ED set, you'll see you're saving some good money in that combined package. Following that same business model, Eduard has released their latest savings package for the AMS modeler - BIG SIN for a nice selection of updated for Eduard's 1/48 Spitfire Mk.XVI kit. If you look at the list on the box, here are the specific sets included in this release:
- 49062 Fabric Seatbelt Set
- 648099 Spitfire Fishtail Exhaust Stacks
- 648218 Spitfire Mk.XVI Wheels - 3 Spokes
- 684206 Spitfire Mk.XVI Cockpit
- 49725 Spitfire Mk.XVI Detail Set
We've looked at most of these sets individually and the Brassin resin sets are cast with very sharp detailing which look better than anything I've seen in injection-molded plastic. Combined, these sets provide nice detail updates for the Eduard kit's cockpit and airframe exterior. The only set not included as it isn't essential (unless you're displaying the cowlings removed) is the Brassin engine set.
These BigSin combination sets will get you virtually everything the AMS modeler would need for their next Spitfire project and when bought as a combination instead of individual sets, you'll also save money! This set is available now at your favorite hobby retailers.
My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!