Starfighter Decals 1/72 Boeing F4B-4 EZ Rigging
By Matt Bittner
Since releasing their resin cockpit for the Monogram 1/72 F4B-4 (and later released - and sold out - from Accurate Miniatures), along with three sets of decals for the aircraft, Starfighter Decals are not one to rest on their laurels. This time they tackle rigging, in the form of a photoetch set.
You may wonder why photoetch for rigging. It's because the wires at that time were actually "flatter" than the typical "rod-type" rigging. This is why photoetch rigging makes sense for this aircraft. What Starfighter has done is supplied both rigging wires in parallel, with an end that is to be folded in place. This will work well because the ends actually come out of "holes" so when the folded ends are painted black it will appear to be these "holes". Not only do you receive the rigging for between the wings, but there are also "wires" for between the center struts and the center of the wing, as well as the "V-shaped rigging" that goes from the upper vertical tail surfaces to the fin.
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Now, one that I'm not sure about is the supplied "wire" that's to lead from the tip of the fin's antenna to the top wing. First, check your pictures for it because not all had that wire. Plus, some were actually more like a "Y" with the bottom of the "Y" leading from the fin's antenna post. I'm also not sure about this "wire" being flat. Since it was an antenna when used, I would think it would have been made out of true, round antenna wire. But since I don't have any clear photos of that "wire", it could have very well been "flat".
Even so, this is an excellent set, and one that will help with the finishing of a Monogram/Accurate Miniatures 1/72 F4B-4. If you live in fear of rigging a biplane, this set will definitely help. Sure, you still need patience, a good set of eyes (natural or not) as well as plenty of photo references, but you don't have to worry about measuring and cutting the rigging to size.
Many, many thanks to Starfighter Decals for sending this set to review. Looks like I have another F4B-4 in my future.