Founded in 1989

Transcript*

Intro

Hello all. This is David from Sunward Hobbies and it is time for another history lesson. In today’s video, we’re going to be talking about my personal favorite model kit manufacturer, Eduard, or as how I’ve heard some people pronounce it, Edard. In celebration of us finally receiving some new Eduard content in the form of the Limited Edition 1/48 scale Strafer, I figured it was as good of a time to talk about this company as well as their own line of high quality model kits.

The Beginning of Eduard

They were formed in 1989 by Strad Carax and Vladimir Sulk in Mr. Kurak’s basement in most Czechoslovakia. They started off making photo-etch for their own personal use until eventually they decided they wanted to start selling their product to their local hobby stores. In 1990, they sold their first photo-etch fret, which was a for a 1/48 scale Shukoi SU25K, which I believe was for the OEZ model. Uh, if anyone from Eduard is happening to be watching this, uh, feel free to correct me. Uh throughout that year they continued making more product and eventually business got so good that they were able to open up a legitimate production line starting in 1991.

Plastic Model Kits Production

Then in 1993 they took the plunge into homemade plastic scale models starting with a Sopwith Schneider and a Sopwith Baby both in 1/72nd scale. Almost immediately it became apparent their fascination for World War I subjects. So now with scale models and photo edetch accessories under their umbrella, they moved into a new office and began hiring [music] more staff. So after spending a year making 1/72nd scale kits, in 1994, Edward made their first 1/48 scale kit, the Fokker E3, which was soon followed by an Albatross D5, the following year. And in 1996, they moved operations to Obernitsa, where they have remained to this day. I sure hope I don’t have to pronounce any more hard check words.

Eduard Kit Variations

All right, now let’s talk about product lines. Since the early 2000s, Eduard has followed a class system for their model kits. You’ve got Weekend Edition, ProfiPacks, Limited Editions, and Royal Class.

Weekend Editions

Weekend editions are the basic entry level kit. They feature the standard plastic model inside as well as anywhere from two to four different marking schemes. So, what you get in here is basically what you would get in any other standard plastic model kit.

ProfiPack

Then a level up from that is Profipacks. These are the plastic model kit and also included is a photo-etch fret as well as pre-cut mass for canopies as well as any other areas that may require some precise painting such as wheels or any other intricate designs. Plus, in this case, you usually get anywhere from five to six marking options.

Limited Edition

And then there are limited edition kits. Now, these are normally dual combos, although sometimes they can be singular reboxes from other brands. I know normally I complain about reboxes from other brands. However, Eduard, they know what’s good. So, on the odd occasion whenever they do rebox someone else’s [music] work, they always pick the good stuff. So anyway, limited edition kits, they are very short run releases that once they’re gone, you will [music] never see them again. So, uh, these tend to go pretty fast.

You got to be on top of them. As I mentioned, they are usually [music] dual combos with two of the same kit in them. And with that, they give you anywhere [music] from 8 to 10 different marking options, plus as well as the photo-etch [music] and pre-cut masks that you usually get with ProfiPacks.

Royal Class

And then you have your elite top-of-the-line [music] Royal Class kits. Unfortunately, this is the one example that I don’t have here with me, so I will include an image right here. These are always dual combos, sometimes even triality combos, and they include everything I previously mentioned and more. So, you get the plastic model kits. You get all the photo-etch you need for them. That’s cockpit, engine details, exterior details, everything. They throw in a few pieces of resin as well, the canopy mass, tons of decals, and at least 10 marking schemes to choose from. And if that isn’t enough, they even throw in a one:one scale replica of anything from a metal to an insignia. Sometimes they even throw in a real part of the real life subject. So, yes, they give you a ton in these Royal Class kits and the price reflects that. manufacturers out there. But

Eduard Experienced a Fire

So, when you take all of that into account, Eduard truly is one of the more generous model kit it hasn’t all been Sunshine and Rainbows, as in December of 2020, us Edward fans had minor heart attacks when we heard that they’re building in uh Oberita. I sure hope I don’t have to pronounce any more hard check words. The second story of that building caught fire and caused damage to a few products, though thankfully it was only about 20% [music] and they were up and running again in really no time at all.

Eduard’s Scale Model Conviction

And one last thing worth noting, if you are a big Eduard fan like me, every June Eduard holds their own scale model convention [music] in Oh god. this place and they call it Eday. Here they have the usual steel model competitions. They sell product, [music] but most importantly, this is always where they announce their future releases for the coming year. So, this is the time when you hear all that juicy information about what these guys are making in the following 12 months.

David’s Love for Eduard

In conclusion, I’ll just wrap this up by briefly talking about [music] why I love Eduard so much. Funny thing is, I didn’t always love them. One thing you got to remember about these guys is their kits aren’t for everybody. They cater more to experienced modelers. And I found that out right around the time I started building models in 2007. The first kit I [music] recall buying from them was a Dual Combo Albatross D5 and I found it quite difficult and frankly pretty frustrating as well. So after that I didn’t really touch any more Eduard kits.

However, once my experience and skill level [music] started rising in the coming years, I noticed Eduard were releasing some subjects that I was quite interested in. So, I gave them another shot. And by that point, I grew to appreciate their [music] fine details and complimentary photo-etch. So, today I think the main reasons why I love them are their Profi Pack line. I feel these kits give you everything you need to make your model pop without having to go out and buy hundreds of dollars of aftermarket accessories. And the second reason why I love them is they only make airplanes. No tanks, no ships, no cars, just the good stuff. So,

David’s Conclusion

I hope you all enjoyed this video, and if you haven’t already, make sure to purchase the Limited Edition 1/48 scale Strafer kit at Sunward Hobbies in store or online while quantities last. Once they’re gone, I’m sorry, they are not coming back. Once again, thank you for watching this video. Remember to like, [music] comment, subscribe, follow us on our socials, and until the next one. Adios.

About the Author:

David Peckam has built scale models since he was 12, specializing largely on military aircraft. He is a makeup artist and background actor for films and TV. He enjoys watching hockey and of course, movies. He has an excellent knowledge of hobby products and if you have questions concerning scale model airplanes.

*Video by David Peckham
Video Edited by
Daniela Castellano and Leo Nguyen
Transcript generated by youtube
Edited by Angelo Castellano