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Douglas A-1D Skyraider 1:32 Etched sets The Trumpeter 1:32 A-1D Skyraider, even with the odd issue, is a really nice kit, with plenty of detail straight out of the box. Obviously this is not enough for the crew at Eduard, where more is definitely more in their eyes. To this end they have released three etched sets for the big SPAD, well four if you include the cut down Zoom set. They provide details for the Interior, exterior and engine. They are up to the usual standard we have come to expect from the company, but they still really need to sort out the clarity of the instructions. All the sets come in the poly sleeve style packaging. Some of the kit detail needs to be removed before being replaced by the etched parts. Additionally you are instructed to add depth to the strengthening ribs in some of the panels by rolling a ball point pen back and forth until the rib is correctly formed. A-1D Exterior Set – 32330, comprises of two sheets of etched brass and contains new panels for the rudder and vertical tail, a panel for the tail wheel oleo structure, additional details for the exposed wing fold areas and end plates for the flaps, which is exposed by the folding of the wings. Along the upper wing fold line there is a new strengthening plate and angle plate fitted, whilst there are replacement details for the outboard cannon including the mounting structure and spent cartridge chute. The most work takes place within the main undercarriage bays. The bay doors receive new hinges and bead seal, in the bay, new side walls are added and, after what looks like a very interesting series of folds the wing structure visible on the bay roof is fitted. The oleos and retraction struts also receive replacement details, such as link arms, hinge link, and end seal for the jack along with new brake pistons. Moving to the airbrakes, each internal panel is replaced with a new, and quite large, etched panel. The gun bay access panels are fitted with new piano hinges and right aft there is a new arrestor hook fairing and inspection panel. There are also new items for the weapons, including arming vanes for the bomb noses and more complex ones for the tails, inspection panels for the drop tanks, bomb hangers and pylon cover plates for the main inboard pylons. A-1D Engine – 32349. Naturally, as the title purports, this single sheet set is for the engine, but also covers parts for the cowling panels. While the set doesn’t appear too complex, it will require a lot of patience and a steady hand, as there is a lot of rolling to be carried out, particularly on the wiring harnesses, cylinder head covers and cowling attachment rings, which make up the majority of the parts. There is also a large ring that fits at the rear of the cowling nose panel, new hinges for the side panels and, rather interestingly, a work platform which hangs from the side of the aircraft, allowing a maintainer to access the top of the engine in some comfort. This is a neat addition, especially for those modellers wishing to use the model in a diorama. A-1D Interior – 32789. The parts are contained on two etched sheets, which whilst quite small, appear to contain a lot of addition detail for the cockpit. One sheet is not only pre-painted, but also self adhesive saving a lot of hassle gluing them in place. The smaller of the two is plain etched brass. The set provides a comprehensive rebuild of the cockpit which will need to have most of the kit detail removed first. The main parts are the instrument panel with additional backing plate with the instrument dials painted on, each of the different facets that make up the side consoles tops and sides, additional circuit breaker panels and the like for around the cockpit, rudder pedals and what looks like a map table projecting off the instrument panel. Most, if not all of the knobs, levers and other paraphernalia are also included, some on the pre-painted sheet, the others on the standard sheet. The joystick is provided with an extension to bring it to the correct height, which will need to be careful folded to ensure a good fit. There are also grab handles and locking handle for inside the canopy. Both the coaming and rear decking receive a host of additional details, including brackets, instruments and a birds nest of wires. Unusually, the seat belts are included in this set rather than being available separately and include all the buckles and fittings required to make up a very realistic set-up. Finally there a couple of data plates that are wrapped around each of the main wheel oleos. A-1D Interior Zoom Set – 33127. This is the much simplified set for those modeller who don’t want to add too much to their model, but just add that little extra detail to enhance the completed model. The set includes just one sheet which contains all the parts that are on the pre-painted, self adhesive sheet mentioned above. Conclusion These are all very nice and useful sets to really enhance the big Skyraider, particularly in the main wheel bays and the cockpit. The quality of the pre-painted items is superb and will really help even a less experienced modeller build a good looking cockpit. There’s nothing too tricky to catch the modeller out, just take care with the folding. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Review sample courtesy of