Eduard P-38F Turbochargers & Air Intakes (648285 for Academy 1:48)

[Mike]

P-38F Turbochargers & Air Intakes (648285 for Academy)

1:48 Eduard Brassin

 

 

The Academy P-38 is about the best of the kits available of this attractive and capable aircraft in 1:48, but even they need a little help to reach modern standards, so here is some of that help.  This set was released late last year, but fell victim to the back of one of my cupboards, and has only just come back to light.  On the basis that it's better late than never, and due to the fact that they're still in stock at Eduard, here they are.

 

 

As usual with Eduard's resin sets, they arrive in the familiar Brassin clamshell box, with the resin parts safely cocooned on dark grey foam inserts, and the instructions sandwiched between the two halves, doubling as the header card.  Inside are twelve resin parts and a sheet of Photo-Etch (PE) to add the fine details.  Due to the way the turbochargers are semi-recessed in the top of the engine nacelles, they have a front and rear portion, plus two intakes each, one above and one below the wings.  The kit intakes and a strake must be removed first, and the strake is replaced by a fine PE part, with a PE heat shield around the "banjo" end of the turbo.  Pretty simple, all told!

 

When handling resin, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding resin, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in.  Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them.

 

Review sample courtesy of