1:48 Supermarine Supermarine Mk.I

What a photo-etched set is for

The parts are etched from a thin metal sheet and are held together only by small tabs. Metal copes with a thickness that injection-molded plastic cannot reach, and that is why photo-etch is used for instrument panels with their bezels, seat belts with buckles, grilles, grab handles, footsteps and other small fittings. On the finished model the difference shows above all where the viewer looks in from close up.

What to watch out for when choosing

The set is intended for the Supermarine aircraft in the Mk.I version in 1:48 scale. Photo-etched sheets are usually cut for one particular kit, so the manufacturer's instructions state which type and which kit the sheet fits and what it contains. It is also useful to find out whether the parts are color-printed, because a printed instrument panel saves a lot of work.

Working with photo-etch

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not with scissors, or the thin edge will ripple. Level the remains of the tab with a fine file so that no bump is left to keep the part from seating. Make the bend over the edge of a bending tool or a ruler and finish it with the flat side of a pair of tweezers. They are bonded with a tiny amount of super glue. Before painting, wash and degrease the metal and lay down a primer, otherwise the paint flakes off the smooth surface. Always test the seating of a part dry first.

Terms of supply

The model, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.