1:32 AIM-54A Phoenix

Resin set 1:32 AIM-54A Phoenix (Eduard)

An add-on set from the Czech manufacturer Eduard in 1:32 scale holding resin castings of the AIM-54A Phoenix air-to-air guided missile. It is an accessory for arming a model, not a kit of an aircraft. Compared with injection-molded plastic the resin castings have sharper detail and no parting seams running across the whole surface, which suits them precisely to the slender bodies of missiles, where every irregularity shows.

The real subject

The AIM-54 Phoenix was an American air-to-air guided missile of very long range, developed for the F-14 Tomcat carrier fighter and its radar system. Version A is the original form. It was the largest and heaviest missile of its category in naval service, intended to destroy targets at a range ordinary missiles could not reach. In 1:32 scale these are respectably large pieces that markedly change the overall impression of a model.

Building and painting tips

Start by washing the resin parts in warm water with a drop of dish soap, so that any mold release agent is removed, otherwise the paint will not hold. Cut the casting blocks off with a saw or a cutting disc, and do not break them. When sanding resin, protect your airways and work wet, as resin dust should not be inhaled. It is glued with cyanoacrylate, since cement for plastic does not work on resin. Lay down a primer before painting. White or light missile bodies call for an even surface, and small scratches will show, so take care over the sanding and polishing.

Who the set is for

• Builders of carrier fighters in the large 1:32 scale
• Modelers for whom the armament from the box is not enough
• Anyone who already has experience of resin and cyanoacrylate
• Collectors who want a model with faithful external armament

This is an add-on set, not a kit of a model. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.