1:72 F-35B exterior

Eduard 1:72 F-35B exterior - photo-etched set

This set from the Czech manufacturer Eduard holds stainless steel photo-etch meant to improve the exterior details of a plastic model of the F-35B in 1:72 scale. It supplies the fine surface elements of the airframe that injection-molded plastic cannot capture in a matching thickness. The set is not an aircraft model in itself; it is an accessory to the base kit.

The real subject

The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter in the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version. It is flown above all by the US Marine Corps and by allied forces. Its characteristic features are the lift fan behind the cockpit and the swiveling engine nozzle.

Use and tips

The photo-etched parts are separated with a sharp knife on a firm surface and bonded as a rule with super glue (cyanoacrylate). Make the bends along the score line, ideally in a bending tool. Degrease the parts before painting. The set suits anyone raising the realism, particularly of the panels, the covers and the fine raised details on the surface.

Who the set is for

• Modelers who want to lift the detail of an F-35B model beyond what comes in the box
• More experienced builders with a background in working with photo-etch
• Collectors of modern jets in 1:72 scale
• Anyone building a model for contests and display cases

This is an add-on photo-etched set, not a kit. The plastic model, glue and paints are not included in the package.