Eduard Photo Etch Detail Sets for Special Hobby SB2C-5 Helldiver - 1:72 Eduard

[Paul A H]

Photo Etch Detail Sets for Special Hobby SB2C-5 Helldiver

1:72 Eduard

 

 

Special Hobby's SB2C-5 Helldiver is, as we saw in my recent review, really Academy's SB2C-4 with extra parts and ordnance. Given that Eduard already produced a set of photo etched parts for the Academy kit (as well as the later Cyber Hobby kit), it should come as no surprise to see that the Czech firm have been so quick to market a set of parts for their compatriot's kit. All told, there are three sets, plus a zoom set for the time or budget conscious modeller.

 

SB2C-5 Helldiver Set

 

 

 

This set caters for the kit's cockpit as well as those parts of the airframe not covered by the other three sets detailed below. The first fret comprises mainly of pre-painted self-adhesive parts, including harnesses for the crew seats, a wealth of sidewall detail including throttle controls, . A multi-layered instrument panel and parts for the radio are also included. Cooling sleeves for the twin .30 inch Browning machine guns are included, along with a delicate ring and bead sight and a number of ammunition boxes. The engine benefits from the addition of ignition wiring and the air intakes positioned above and below the cowling receive some nicely rendered mesh parts. Parts are also included for the bombs bay and the control rods for the rudder and elevators.

 

 

 

SB2C-5 Helldiver Zoom Set

 

The zoom set contains the first fret from the above set, with a correspondingly lower price tag. Ideal for those who want to jazz their kit up a bit but without spening hours slaving over tiny pieces of brass.

 

 

 

SB2C-5 Helldiver Undercarriage Set

 

 

This fret includes everything you'll need to turn the kit's undercarriage into a masterpiece. Star of the show are a pair of etched linings for the main landing gear bays, complete with exquisite rib detail. The downside is that you'll need to cut away the ribs from the original plastic parts before installing the photo etched replacements. Also on the fret are parts for detailing the main landing gear legs and wheels, including a set of brake lines and scissor links, both of which will help to bring the kit parts to life.

 

 

 

SB2C-5 Helldiver Landing Flaps Set

 

 

The flaps on the Academy/Special Hobby kit have been moulded in place, so the use of this set will mean being brave and cutting away a fair amount of plastic. The flaps themselves look extremely complex, so I'd recommending reading and re-reading the instructions, as well as checking the photographs of the real thing. A proper photo etch bending tool would be a very good asset to acquire if you really want this set and don't already have one.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Special Hobby have breathed new life into Academy's kit and opened up the possibility of the some interesting painting and marking schemes along the way. Overall this set is up to Eduard's usual high standards and can therefore be recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of