1:72 Spitfire Mk.I - Landing Flaps (for Eduard Kits)

The real subject

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I is among the best-known fighters of its day and is built very often in small scales. The landing flaps on the underside of the wing are meanwhile an element that on a model tends to be no more than suggested by engraving, although on the real machine it is a movable surface with visible internal structure.

What the set contains

The set brings photo-etched parts for the landing flaps of a model in 1:72 scale and is prepared for the Eduard kits. The thin material makes it possible to show the flaps in the lowered position, which is not possible with a closed plastic part. The range of parts and the assembly procedure are given in the instructions enclosed with the set.

How the parts are handled

Separate the parts with a sharp blade on a hard surface, not with scissors, so that the edge does not buckle. Make the bends over the edge of a ruler or in a bending tool in a single movement. Before gluing, offer the flap up dry and check both the angle of deflection and the gap at the wing root; a difference of a few degrees is clearly visible between the two wing halves, so work symmetrically. They are joined with a minute amount of cyanoacrylate glue. Degrease the surfaces before painting and apply primer, otherwise the finish will not hold on the smooth metal.

Who it is for

The set will be appreciated by modelers who build a Spitfire for a display case or a scene and do not want the model to read as a closed shape. Working with the small parts calls for tweezers and a sharp blade. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.