In 1995 Eduard released five new photo-etched sets for four Revell kits. They address the Revell Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6,
and the Revell P-51B Mustang, two models that will really benefit from the enhancements. The remaining models covered are the
Revell Wildcat and P-40 Warhawk, good models that will now become better models.
First on the list is set number 32-012, which addresses the Bf 109 cockpit. This set contains two frets of brass photo-etched and one sheet of black on clear instrument faces. This set is very complete, including but not limited to complete sidewalls, two types of armour plate, a new seat, trim wheels with chains and a host of other items. For years, the Revell cockpit has been described at best as being pitiful. Now it will come to life. All told, this set consists of 63 parts, and every one of them is for the cockpit area. The only parts that are optional are for the armoured headrest. The early style is composed of three parts while the later clear headrest consists of two pieces. I wish I had this set when I built my Finnish 109.
Very minor surgery is required for Revell kit parts 21, 23 and 39. After that, you are on easy street. Eduard parts 25 and 26 are the cockpit sidewalls and once fastened to the floor, eliminate that see through look, which has plagued this kit. The etched relief is well done and will show up well once the parts are given a dark wash and lighter dry brushing. A must considering the entire cockpit area is to be painted RLM 66.
The overall design is well thought out, as the cockpit is built as a complete tub and can be installed after the fuselage halves are assembled. As is usual with the new releases from Eduard is a complete set of seat belts. This saves you from having to purchase an additional product. Eduard indicates which parts could be supplemented with the use of plastic stock, but they do not tell what thickness should be used. I think that most builders, using a little common sense, will be able to select a size, which will be appropriate. The seat pan proved to be the most difficult to bend as it requires a smooth curved shape as opposed to a sharp bend. I used the handle from a Tamiya paintbrush to arrive at a shape, which would line up with the sides. This set builds into a fine cockpit and can only be improved by adding bits of plastic to some of the knobs and levers.
These recent releases from Eduard are a marked improvement over their earlier cockpit sets, especially the Hurricane and Hellcat and are light years beyond what Revell provides in the basic kit. Overall, the quality of these sets is excellent. Far too often builders of 1/32 scale aircraft are forced into accepting substandard products, as for the most part, the accessories offered are the only game in town. If these firms were to try to tap into the competitive 1/48 market, they would fade away in a week. Eduard is setting a new standard in the "Braille scale".
Reviewed by Randy Lutz
First on the list is set number 32-012, which addresses the Bf 109 cockpit. This set contains two frets of brass photo-etched and one sheet of black on clear instrument faces. This set is very complete, including but not limited to complete sidewalls, two types of armour plate, a new seat, trim wheels with chains and a host of other items. For years, the Revell cockpit has been described at best as being pitiful. Now it will come to life. All told, this set consists of 63 parts, and every one of them is for the cockpit area. The only parts that are optional are for the armoured headrest. The early style is composed of three parts while the later clear headrest consists of two pieces. I wish I had this set when I built my Finnish 109.
Very minor surgery is required for Revell kit parts 21, 23 and 39. After that, you are on easy street. Eduard parts 25 and 26 are the cockpit sidewalls and once fastened to the floor, eliminate that see through look, which has plagued this kit. The etched relief is well done and will show up well once the parts are given a dark wash and lighter dry brushing. A must considering the entire cockpit area is to be painted RLM 66.
The overall design is well thought out, as the cockpit is built as a complete tub and can be installed after the fuselage halves are assembled. As is usual with the new releases from Eduard is a complete set of seat belts. This saves you from having to purchase an additional product. Eduard indicates which parts could be supplemented with the use of plastic stock, but they do not tell what thickness should be used. I think that most builders, using a little common sense, will be able to select a size, which will be appropriate. The seat pan proved to be the most difficult to bend as it requires a smooth curved shape as opposed to a sharp bend. I used the handle from a Tamiya paintbrush to arrive at a shape, which would line up with the sides. This set builds into a fine cockpit and can only be improved by adding bits of plastic to some of the knobs and levers.
These recent releases from Eduard are a marked improvement over their earlier cockpit sets, especially the Hurricane and Hellcat and are light years beyond what Revell provides in the basic kit. Overall, the quality of these sets is excellent. Far too often builders of 1/32 scale aircraft are forced into accepting substandard products, as for the most part, the accessories offered are the only game in town. If these firms were to try to tap into the competitive 1/48 market, they would fade away in a week. Eduard is setting a new standard in the "Braille scale".
Reviewed by Randy Lutz