Eduard BIG49407 Gannet AS.1 AIRFIX 1/48 – Complete Upgrade Set for Airfix Model

The Eduard BIG49407 Gannet AS.1 AIRFIX 1/48 set is a comprehensive solution for demanding modelers who wish to enhance the realism and detail level of their Airfix 1/48 scale Fairey Gannet AS.1 plastic model. The set belongs to the category enhancement sets – accessories for plastic models and was designed by the renowned manufacturer Eduard.

The package includes three perfectly matched components:

• 491424 Gannet AS.1 1/48: Photo-etched metal part for precise reproduction of the cockpit, control panels, interior and exterior details, enhancing the authenticity of the Airfix model.
• FE1426 Gannet AS.1/AS.4 seatbelts STEEL 1/48: Super-realistic seatbelts made from thin metal (steel), faithfully reproducing the layout and coloring of the original RAF and FAA harnesses.
• EX1016 Gannet AS.1/AS.4 1/48: Specialized masking set for precise canopy masking, enabling realistic painting without the risk of staining the clear parts.

The Original Aircraft – Historical Background

The Fairey Gannet AS.1 was a British carrier-based ASW (anti-submarine warfare) aircraft produced for the Royal Navy, operated during the 1950s and 1960s (the Cold War era). It featured a unique design with a turboprop engine and contra-rotating propellers. The Gannet served aboard aircraft carriers, patrolling the Atlantic and engaging in anti-submarine operations over the North Sea; it was also used by the Australian and German navies.

Materials and Difficulty Level

The set is made from high-quality photo-etched brass, steel (photo-etched STEEL seatbelts), and professional self-adhesive vinyl masks. All elements are precisely cut and tailored for the Airfix model. The whole set is intended for advanced modelers – difficulty level 4/5 – due to the precision required in assembly and work with small metal parts.

Why Do We Recommend It?

The BIG49407 set allows you to achieve an exceptionally high level of detail, exceeding the possibilities of the original Airfix kit. It is an excellent choice for naval aviation enthusiasts, fans of British Cold War-era designs, and 1/48 scale collectors. The perfect product for competition builds, recommended for everyone aiming to get as close as possible to the real appearance of the Fairey Gannet.