You generally knew what to expect with Esci kits. Easy to build and satisfying. The camera housing is probably just part of a generic sprue. In this scale I'd go for the Heller F1s or the Airfix boxing which has South African markings and a range of weapons. Mostly raised panel lines because of their vintage, but Heller's French subjects were usually 100% accurate for dimensions and shape. I recently built the Special Hobby F1 (the Revell boxing with the big red Normandie Niemen star). Sure it has more detail but the breakdown of parts was gruelling and fiddly, plus you pay for about twice the number of parts actually used. I like your positive attitude towards these older kits. Thank you.
i usually consider a few things when i review. Cost, Age and if its limited or like a snap kit or something. you cant fault a kit if its never intended to be 100% accurate. like the Esci decals for the cockpit. its just how they did their kits. i have a few heller and airfix stuff to review in the future. unfortunately i have a good collection of Esci kits but they are still sealed so i dont want to open them.
I think ESCI's kit is the third best in terms of accuracy. The first is obviously Special Hobby and then Heller's kit, although the latter one is also quite old. Maybe it is a 30 years old mould.
