The Wildcat set, part number 32-015 consists of two frets containing 86 pieces and the usual black on clear instrument faces. The metal parts exhibit nice relief, and the printed instrument faces are quite well done. This set is complete down to the smallest levers found in the cockpit. I compared the assemblies to close-up photos found in the new Wildcat Walk-around and the Detail and Scale on the Wildcat, and Eduard has got it right on! In fact, 53 of the total number of pieces are for the cockpit area. To build up the numerous boxes found in the cockpit, it is necessary to fold each brass piece at least three different ways. While seeming like a daunting task, it actually proved quite easy as most of the fold lines are scored to allow for clean crisp bends. I guess maybe that university course on origami has finally paid off!

This set will require more surgery to the kit than most of the other sets released by Eduard, but should not prove beyond the means of the average modeller. Most of the major work in the cockpit will involve removing the existing seat. If done carefully, there should be no need for putty to hide any marks. I used my trusty bench grinder, and had the seat removed in a matter of seconds. After that, a simple block sanding and the area was ready for the new seat with the associated seat supports. This set is touted for the F4F-4, however if you should desire to build an F4F-3A, do not use part number 42, which is the cross brace for the shoulder harness as early Wildcats did not feature shoulder belts.

Eduard provides a complete set of cowl flaps that greatly enhance the overall impression. Be advised that the lower cowl flaps, (parts 50 and 51) are produced larger than the impression Revell has shown on the model. This means that when eliminating the moulded in cowl flaps, you will have to remove more plastic than what is indicated, but I think Eduard is closer to the actual size than is Revell. If an F4F-3 is more to your liking, then disregard the photo-etched cowl flaps as the -3 had a different arrangement.

Parts 45 and 46, which are the two cowl cheek scoops, will interfere with the cowl mounting flange on the fuselage halves, but is not serious. It just necessitates cutting in some small notches to clear the metal parts. Part 52 is the supercharger intercooler and is nicely done, but I think there should be two of them based on photographs shown in the above referenced books.

New landing gear doors are included and are designed to wrap around the lower drag links, just like the real thing! A nice touch is the inclusion of a set of underwing bomb racks. Each rack consists of four parts and is long overdue on the Wildcat.

I used the Wildcat Detail and Scale book and the Wildcat Walk-around as a guide for painting.

Reviewed by Randy Lutz