F/A-18E Super Hornet
Eduard 1:32 Etch Sets
Having reviewed the interior sets a earlier in the year, Eduard have now released six more sets for the Trumpeter F/A 18E.
Whilst the Trumpeter kit is pretty amazing straight out of the box, there are always some areas that could be improved upon. Whether it’s adding additional detail or replacing parts to improve the finesse of the finished model these sets provide a wealth of parts for those modellers who prefer to use brass, rather than scratchbuilding. The separation of these detail sets allows the modeller to add as much detail as they require or their budget allows.
Exterior Set (32272)
This single sheet set contains parts that, for the majority, for the nose undercarriage bay, including new internal wall detail for the bays and the bay doors. The nose wheel leg gets a new rear door, tiedown rings, several new brackets and light surrounds. Over the rest of the fuselage there are numerous new or replacement panels. Finally there is a new door for the refuelling probe.
Avionic Bay (32697)
This set, printed in colour, provides new faces for the various avionic boxes in the open bay. There are also a number of new brackets, handles and reinforcing strips for the bay door. The moulded detail will need to be carefully removed before this set can be used though.
Chaff and Flare dispensers (32714)
Again printed in colour, this small set gives the modeller a choice of chaff and flare dispenser faces for the four launchers forward of the kits main wheel wells. Research will need to be carried out to determine what was carried by the subject aircraft and in which position as there are differently coloured faces, depending on whether flares or chaff cartridges are fitted.
Formation lights (32710)
This set, the majority of which is printed in colour provides new parts for each of the formation lights fitted to the aircraft. Each light is in two parts, the light itself and the lights surround, to be fitted on the nose, tail, fins and wingtips. There is also the triple coloured light for the nosewheel leg. Finally four more inserts for the chaff and flare dispensers are included.
Ladder (32298)
This set is to completely replace the kit ladder with the exception of the retraction arms and hinge bracket. Each tread is made up of two parts, the main tread, (which is folded to shape), and the anti slip material on top. There are also some details for the ladder recess within the kit fuselage.
Armament Set (32297)
This comprehensive two sheet set contains a whole load of details for the kits pylons, such as sway braces, brackets and panel surrounds, most of which would be best used if the weapons are being left of the model. Talking of weapons, each missile, bomb, and drop tank has their own detail additions on the sheets.
Conclusion
Eduard has produced another nice selection of sets that will bring another level of detail to an already great kit. Whether you buy one or two sets or the whole lot it’s up to you. I’d imagine that all the individual sets reviewed on this site will soon be released as a Big Ed package. I can really recommend these to make your Super Hornet a really super model.
Review sample courtesy of 
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