1:48 Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II

The real subject

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American attack aircraft built for close support of ground troops. The whole machine is literally built around the heavy cannon in the front of the fuselage, it has a large wing for slow, steady flight close to the ground, and a structure that takes a hit and still gets home. The C version is the upgraded form with added digital avionics. Among modelers it is a fixture, because the angular shape and raw beauty of the aircraft never get lost on a shelf.

What the set offers

The Eduard photo-etched set in 1:48 scale adds fine metal parts to an A-10C model that injection-molded plastic cannot render at the right thickness. The manufacturer's instructions enclosed with the set describe the range of parts, where they go and the order of work; it is worth comparing them with the kit you are building, because photo-etch is usually shaped for a particular model.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp knife on a hard surface, never by twisting. Make the bends along the marked grooves, in a bender or between two blades, so that the edge is sharp along its whole length. They are glued with a tiny amount of cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) applied on the tip of a toothpick. Degrease the surfaces before painting and apply the primer in thin coats, or you will lose exactly the delicacy photo-etch is bought for.

Who it is for

The set is for modelers who already have experience with photo-etch and want to take a model beyond out-of-the-box building. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.