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Buccaneer S.2C/D Wheels (648814 Airfix) 1:48 Eduard Brassin Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department. That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument. They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement. This drop-in replacement set comprises three wheels on separate casting blocks, each of which is attached at the bottom where you will also find a slight weighting to depict the pressure of the airframe above. The detail is stunning, as we’ve come to expect from Eduard, with circumferential tread on the contact surface, detail and raised maker’s mark plus statistics on the sidewalls, and intricate hub detail on the front and rear, which includes the brakes around the axle. The set also includes a sheet of kabuki-tape masks (not pictured) to allow you to cut the hub/tyre demarcation with minimal effort, adding a little extra masking to cover the rest of the tyre surface. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

MG34 Machine Gun w/Ammunition Belt (635020) 1:35 Eduard Brassin PRINT The MG34 was the primary machine gun used by the German forces during the majority of WWII, only replaced by the more advanced MG42 that was engineered to be cheaper and easier to manufacture than its predecessor. It was designed by Rheinmetall and produced in the Spandau Arsenal, which gave rise to one of its nicknames, and was chambered for 7.92mm rounds that were fired from an open bolt, with a cyclical rate that started around 800-900 rounds per minute, but was changed to a selectable 600-1,000rpm in later variants, the lower rate principally provided to conserve ammunition and reduce the heat build-up in the barrel that could lead to warping. The rounds weren’t prone to cooking off in a hot weapon however, as they weren’t fed into the chamber until the trigger was depressed again, but as a crew only carried around 1,800 rounds it was sensible to fire in short controlled bursts to maintain supplies. Changing out a hot barrel was a two-man affair, and was one of the tasks that was simplified in the MG42, which included an oven-mitt-like glove to protect the operator’s hands. Ammunition could be fed to the breech in different manners, starting with a 50-round modular length of reusable metal link that could be joined together to create longer lengths. A small drum mag clipped to the side of the breech contained 50 rounds that could be modified to take 75, or a cloth bag filled with rounds on link zig-zagged into the space could be used instead. The infantry version of the weapon was usually mounted on a bipod attached to the front of the weapon, while the vehicle or static pivot lug was mounted centrally at the base of the barrel and clipped into the pintle-mount socket in its intended position. Although this set arrives in a flat package, the directly 3D printed parts are safe inside a clear plastic clamshell box inside the package, which also has a sticky pad inside to prevent the parts from rattling about. The parts are printed resin, attached to the base via thin tendril-like fingers that are easy to cut off and sand the little upstands away, leaving them ready for action. This set includes a single highly-detailed MG34 that is protected between two risers, and a print-base of accessories that include a C-mag, a cloth bag and a length of unused link that is protected at each end by a C-shaped riser. Construction is simple once the parts are liberated from their print-bases, and consists of deciding which ammunition source you intend to use with your model. The instructions show the paint codes for each part of the model using Gunze codes, most of which will be metallic shades apart from the wooden butt-stock. Conclusion The crisp detail of this set will improve the look of any model you care to place it in, and it’s a simple upgrade into the bargain. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

P-38J Cockpit (648812 for Tamiya) 1:48 Eduard Brassin PRINT Tamiya’s new range of P-38s has been augmented by the new -J, which is a great kit, but you can always improve on injection-moulded perfection with resin, especially the new 3D printed sets that Eduard are now producing. Having used one of their cockpits in an F4F-3 I built recently, they are at the pinnacle of aftermarket technology, offering superb detail with a relatively low part count. As is now usual with Eduard's more complex resin sets, they arrive in a deep Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding, augmented by a pair of foam sheets top and bottom. Inside the box are three large bags containing twenty-two printed resin parts, a sheet of pre-printed, nickel-plated Photo-Etch (PE), a decal sheet, a slip of over-printed clear acetate, and the instruction booklet, which consists of three sheets of A4 printed on both sides and folded into an A5 booklet. There is a small amount of preparation to be done before you can start building, cutting off two rounded nubs from the rudder pedals if you are using the gun bay set in the nose (648790), and a section of the inside of the lower fuselage that would otherwise baulk the cockpit floor. Two more rods are removed from the rear of the cockpit opening in the upper fuselage later on too, so it’s as well to get it all done at outset. The parts are printed resin, attached to the base via thin tendril-like fingers that are easy to cut off and sand the little upstands away, leaving them ready for action. The build phase begins with the pilot’s seat, which is fitted to the head armour on a moulded-in frame that has another piece of equipment behind it. The PE seatbelts are all applied over the painted seat, including additional comfort pads beneath the buckles. The seat and its bulkhead are lowered into the floor along with a lever, and there are some more decals in addition to the detail painting to be done. The switch panel in front of the main panel is glued to a tab on the top of the rudder pedals, with decals applied to both visible faces, then it is inserted into the cockpit to be joined by the L-shaped control column and a choice of two instruments that fit into a slot in the top of the switch panel. The steering yoke slips into a hole in the end of the column, and a resin spacer is socketed in the front of the cockpit, leaving it out if you plan on using the gun pack (648790). The cockpit sidewall details are printed on a thin sidewall, with a choice of parts for the starboard side, and a PE adjustment wheel on the port, plus lots of detail painting and some decals again. The main instrument panel is a single printed part with a decal applied over the top before it too is inserted into the cockpit, which is inverted and glued to the upper fuselage half after cutting the afore mentioned rods from the rear. There is a choice of two styles of gun sight to consider for application into the windscreen after painting and adding the curved acetate glazing that is pre-printed on the sheet. A triple-layered PE roll-over hoop is made up with a pair of handles added for good measure, ending up glued into position at the open edge of the windscreen. There is a choice of two styles of radio rack at the rear of the cockpit, each of which is a single print that is painted up and has stencil decals applied to the sides, adding a roll-over bar over the top, and the more detailed option also has an equipment box fitted near the front, and some 0.35mm wire from your own stock, with the lengths called out to assist you. The decals are called out in scrap diagrams, and the more complex option also has more stencils applied once painted. The internal structure with the spar moulded into it needs the stiffening webs removed, and your choice of radio racks is dropped into the space behind the pilot. Conclusion There’s not much you can say about Eduard’s growing range of cockpit sets other than sublime, and get some. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Bristol Beaufort Mk.I Upgrade Sets (for ICM) 1:48 Eduard ICM made a lot of Britmodellers very happy when they announced their Beaufort kit, and now that we have the kit to pore over, it’s been worth the wait. Eduard's new range of sets are here to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner, offering detail that injection-moulded styrene can’t provide. Get what you want for the areas you want to be more of a focal point. As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE) and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. Detail Set (491318) Two frets are included, one nickel-plated and pre-painted, the other in bare brass. The first item to be replaced is the pilot’s seat, which is a complex assembly made from a large number of parts, with a third diagram showing the completed assembly. There are two circular meshes for the intakes inserted in the wing leading edges, then the attention turns toward the cockpit again. A complete set of new layered instrument panels, highly detailed sidewalls that are covered with instruments and equipment boxes, and side consoles with added levers for the cockpit and a new seat for the bomb aimer. The turret’s interior is cut up, keeping some portions and discarding others to replace them with new more detailed PE parts. The twin Lewis guns are detailed with new tops and handles to their plate magazines, and adding extra details that include an armour panel, while the side-mount Lewis gun gets a magazine upgrade plus ring-and-bead sights. The engines are upgraded with three V-shaped spacers that hold the circular part in position, which also receives a central boss. The last job is to glue a sight inside the windscreen in front of the pilot. SPACE 3D Printed Cockpit Decals (3DL48094) The Eduard SPACE sets use new 3D printing techniques that lay down successive layers of different colour resin, creating highly realistic almost full complete panels that are supplied on a decal sheet. They can depict metallic shades, plus glossy, satin, and matt colours too, which really ups the detail on everything they print. In addition, a small sheet of nickel-plated and pre-painted PE is included for the aspects of the set that lend themselves better to this medium, such as seatbelts and rudder pedals. The PE sheet contains three sets of lap belts that are applied to the seats and turret, plus a four-point set for the pilot, making an oval hole in the back of the kit seat to pass the Y-shaped end of the shoulder harnesses through. The 3D decals are applied to the instrument panel and copious instruments and equipment boxes on the sidewalls, adding a few PE levers to the panel, and PE backing plates for many of the boxes on the sidewalls. Seatbelts STEEL (FE1319) These belts are Photo-Etch (PE) steel, and because of their strength they can be etched from thinner material, which improves realism and flexibility in one sitting. Coupled with the new painting method that adds perceived extra depth to the buckles and other furniture by shading, they are more realistic looking and will drape better than regular brass PE. The pilot has a set of four-point belts that require an oval hole to be made in the back of the kit seat to accommodate the end of the Y-shaped section behind the shoulder harness, with three sets of lap belts in the cockpit and the turret. Bomb Bay (481094) This comprehensive bare brass set contains two sheets, one larger, the other smaller. You will need to remove the raised details inside the kit bomb bay before you install the new detail skins in the centre section, adding a rear bulkhead and an additional rectangular cover if you intend to fill the bay with bombs rather than a torpedo. Another bulkhead is applied to the front of the main bay after adding several detail parts, some of which require folding. The curved front section of the bay is covered with another skin that you will need to roll to fit, and has a W-shaped brace added partway along. The rear section of the bay has two strips fitted to the outer edges, then the centre-section is filled with four folded bomb shackles and another cover to the forward section opening if you are mounting bombs. If you are installing the torpedo, a complex carrier is folded up and glued in the centre of the main bay, adding a pair of small wheels on short lengths of wire from your own stock on the sides. The bomb bay doors are reduced in size 1mm each end and along the top edge, then slimmed down at the top in preparation for the new skin that is laminated, folded and applied to the outer surface of the kit parts to improve detail and replace the thicker kit inner bay doors. Review sample courtesy of

Yak-9D Exhaust Stacks (648805 for Zvezda) 1:48 Eduard Brassin PRINT We reviewed the new Yak-9D from Zvezda recently here, and now Eduard have begun to release some additional detail sets for the detail-hungry modeller who isn’t satisfied with the capabilities of injection-moulded styrene. As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE), small Brassin and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. The resin is further protected by a crystal-clear clamshell box that closes securely with a friction-toggle. Inside the box are two rows of four beautifully printed exhausts on a single print-base that have hollow D-profile tips. The kit includes a full depiction of the Klimov engine for inside the cowling, with individual stacks included, but they don’t have hollow tips. The replacements do have hollow D-profiled tips, and are supplied as two paired exhausts in the centre openings, and two more singles at the ends of the block, replicating the pegs at the base to secure them into the engine block. Once removed from the print base they are a drop-in replacement for the kit parts, with the only difference (apart from the detail) being that you need to use super glue (CA) to locate them in their slots. A superb update to the kit parts that are eminently simple to use. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Yak-9T Exhaust Stacks (632182 for ICM) 1:32 Eduard Brassin PRINT We reviewed the new Yak-9T from ICM recently here, and now Eduard have begun to release some additional detail sets for the detail-hungry modeller who isn’t satisfied with the capabilities of injection-moulded styrene. As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE), small Brassin and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. The resin is further protected by a crystal-clear clamshell box that closes securely with a friction-toggle. Inside the box are two sets of beautifully printed exhausts on a single print-base that have hollow D-profile tips. There are two paired exhausts in the centre and two more singles at the ends of the support strip, which has locating shapes at each end. Once removed from the print base they are a drop-in replacement for the kit parts, with the only difference (apart from the detail) being that you need to use super glue (CA) to locate them in their slots. A superb update to the kit parts that are simple to use. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F-3 Wildcat Gun Bay & Undercarriage Bay Sets (648793 & 648795) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve reviewed the super new tool F4F-3 Wildcat from Eduard recently, and I’ve even built one, so can testify to its excellence as a model kit. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the aftermarket waters (eh?) along come another pair of 3D printed resin sets that will blow your socks off…again. As good as the base kit is, you can always increase the level of detail over and above what’s achievable using injection moulded styrene, and these sets prove that without question. As is now usual with Eduard's larger resin sets, they arrive in a deep Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, sometimes layers of foam, and with the instructions folded around acting as padding. The parts are printed resin rather than the usual poured cast resin, so are attached to their print-bases via thin tendril-like fingers that are easy to cut off and sand the little pip-like marks away, leaving them ready for action. F4F-3 Gun Bays (648793) There are two bags of 3D printed resin parts and one containing a fret of Photo-Etch (PE) brass, and you’ll need to do a little simple surgery to the wing parts of your kit, excising the bay cover panels, plus the shell-ejection chutes from the lower wings before you start. Each bay is built in mirror image, starting with the main body of the bay, which has two small PE parts fitted into in the rear wall. The two resin guns are inserted barrel first through the holes in the front of the bay, gluing the breeches to the bay floor via slots and tabs. The ammo boxes are then laid over the tops of their location, followed by the curved feeder chutes, and finally adding the lip around the bay using the PE framing part. The bay can then be inserted between the wing halves and everything glued in place, later adding the two wafer-thin bay covers per wing, which have extra detail on their inner surfaces, which will be visible once they are installed. F4F-3 Gear Bay (648795) This set has three bags of highly detailed 3D printed resin parts, and you’ll need to source some wires of various fine diameters to complete the task fully. Work starts with the tapering engine mount frames, which receives the circular ancillary equipment cluster that is the rear of the engine itself. To this are added a pair of filter boxes with intake trunking that wrap around the underside of the mount, or for the earlier -3A sub-variant, a smaller box is slung under the frame instead. The large tapering tank that sits between the top two struts is next to be fitted, and the improvement in detail here is excellent. Some 0.7mm and 0.35mm wire will be required to simulate the hoses linking the tank to the engine, with several scrap diagrams showing the shape and length of the wires, aided by them being marked out in different colours on the diagrams for your ease. The original kit firewall with integrated spars is replaced by a new super-detailed part, which has the gear bay actuation chains on their sprockets glued on pins, further improving the detail. The divide that separates the two sides of the bay is also replaced by a more detailed part, then the engine bearer assembly is brought together with the bulkhead, illustrated clearly by more scrap diagrams. Then there are yet more hoses to install, 0.35mm and 0.5mm in diameter with eight in total that take up a whole page in the instructions. The bay assembly is then completed by adding the gear legs, using the kit parts or the bronze aftermarket set 648779 if you feel the urge. The last step shows the completed gear bay being trapped between the two fuselage halves, but of course you’ll also need to put the cockpit in there, so it’s a little simplified to suit the theme of the instructions. Conclusion Both sets are at the top of aftermarket detail standards at time of writing, and for anyone wanting to portray a Wildcat in the process of re-arming, the gun bay set is a shoe-in. The gear bay set really increases the detail in that department too, much of which is visible through the sideways facing openings where the retracted wheels sit. Both sets have concise instructions with Gunze paint codes called out through every step, and include lengths and diameters of all the extra wires used to complete the detailing. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F-4 Wildcat Upgrade Sets (for Eduard) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve just reviewed the superb F4F-4 Early variant on the new tool Wildcat from Eduard, and this is one of the many aftermarket sets that they have released at the same time for those that want to increase the level of detail over and above what’s achievable using injection moulded styrene. As is now usual with Eduard's larger resin sets, they arrive in a deep Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. The Photo-Etch (PE), SPACE and Mask sets arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. F4F-4 Cockpit (648803) There are three Ziploc bags within the box, two containing directly 3D printed parts, the other containing a fret of nickel-plated pre-painted Photo-Etch (PE), a tiny slip of acetate and a small decal sheet, both protected by a small sheet of white card. On emptying the parts out of the bag, the first thing you notice is the sheer level of detail present, but also the relatively small parts count thanks to the capabilities of 3D printers, where supports are all that is required to protect overhangs, and there is no degrading of mould fidelity over time because there are no moulds to wear out. The short parts list is also evident immediately on viewing the instructions, which begin with an ostensibly complete main cockpit assembly that consists of the floor, rear bulkhead and oxygen tanks, to which you add the seat with a full set of four-point belts from the PE sheet. The control column slips into a deep recess in the gaiter, some half-moon levers are added at the sides of the pilot, then the forward bulkhead with integral tank, plus a separate headrest cushion are mated to the cockpit. The side consoles are slotted between the two bulkheads with detailed painting guide and decal placement instructions to complete those, then a little wire from your own stocks is threaded through sections of the cockpit, and the kit bulkhead is brought in from behind, noting that the plastic bulkhead sits at an angle to the resin cockpit, not square as you might expect. The beautifully detailed rudder pedals are a single part that is truly amazing to behold, and it too has its own painting instructions and two decals for the centre of the piece. The kit insert to the tank is slotted into the 3D printed part to complete it, and then you have a choice of how to complete the instrument panel, using a blank panel with two-layer PE dial sections plus some tiny levers, or a detailed printed panel to which you add a decal, or if you’re very brave, paint fully yourself. The small angled coaming with moulded-in reflector gunsight is added atop the panel that is locked in on two pegs, and a tiny piece of acetate sheet is glued to the top of the sight to finish off. The cockpit can then be inserted into the fuselage as per the kit instructions, but with a small resin part fixed to the starboard interior with some wires running from it, and a pair of tiny pegs are removed from the styrene part. 42gal Ventral Drop Tank (648756) This simple set consists of two 3D printed parts in a crystal-clear box within the packaging, one of which is the aerodynamic body of the tank, the other part being the top surface of the tank, which slots snugly into the body when tested. The detail on the upper surface is excellent, and it’s a shame to hide it away on the model, so it would be best seen if used as background detail in a diorama, although a limited view of the detail will still be seen if it is installed on the model, as there are a set of stand-off legs built into the tank. SPACE 3D Printed Cockpit Decals (3DL48090) The Eduard SPACE sets use new 3D printing techniques that lay down successive layers of different colour resin, creating highly realistic almost full complete panels that are supplied on a decal sheet. They can depict metallic shades, plus glossy, satin and matt colours too, which really ups the detail on everything they print. In addition, a small sheet of nickel-plated and pre-painted PE is included for the aspects of the set that lend themselves better to this medium, such as seatbelts and rudder pedals. This set includes a full set of 3D printed instrument panel sections, plus additional parts that are applied to the side consoles to replace many of the raised portions of the styrene parts. There is also a printed document case for the sidewall, and while the PE sheet is almost totally made up of seatbelt parts, there are also additional details for the seat, a handle for the side consoles, small instrument boxes on the starboard sidewall, and a backing plate for the large document folder on the port wall. Masks Tface (EX904) Supplied on a large sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the canopy, with compound curved handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape. It also gives you another set of masks tailored to fit the interior of the glazing so that you can paint the interior and give your model that extra bit of realism. In addition, you get a set of lower side windows, and hub/tyre masks for the wheels, allowing you to cut the demarcation perfectly with little effort. Review sample courtesy of

P-38J Superchargers & Gun Barrels (648791 & 648789 for Tamiya) 1:48 Eduard Brassin Tamiya have a growing range of new P-38 Lightning kits in 1:48, the latest one being the -J variant, kit numbered 61123. It’s a great kit, but you can always improve on even the best, most technically advanced styrene injection moulding with resin and other media. As usual with Eduard's smaller Brassin sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. The printed parts are protected within by a crystal-clear plastic clamshell box that has a small sticky pad to reduce the chances of the parts moving during transit. P-38J Gun Barrels (648789) This set consists of five 3D printed resin parts on a single print base that has protective arches to one side for safety’s sake. They are a drop-in replacement to the kit parts, and main part has a choice of three barrel jacket options for the left-most gun position depending on the fit applicable to your model, and a totally separate barrel with a larger diameter circular guard that ensures the barrel projects from the nose to the correct length. Each barrel has a hollow tip to the muzzle, whether they’re depicted with flush jackets or the type that are stepped back from the barrel. P-38J Superchargers (648791) The Lightning had its superchargers prominently displayed on the top of its engine booms, so detail here is key. This set includes two replacements that are printed at an angle on their own bases, supported by dozens of tiny posts with tapering tips to reduce clean-up work. Once removed from the bases they are a drop-in replacement for the kit parts, locating on the nub in the base of the recess on the kit parts. There are also two arches over the more delicate ends of the base to protect them from harm before you remove them for use. This is one set that doesn’t have the sticky pad in the plastic box, as it could damage the detail. Review sample courtesy of

EA-18G Growler Exhaust Nozzles (648804 for MENG) 1:48 Eduard Brassin Meng have broadened their F/A-18 range with their new EA-18G Growler in 1:48 recently, and you can find our review of the kit here. The detail on the kit is excellent, but you can always improve on the pinnacle of styrene engineering with resin. As is now usual with Eduard's smaller resin sets, they arrive in the new shallow Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. Inside the box are six 3D printed parts on separate print bases, two of each part of the exhausts. The trunk is printed in darker resin, and has fluted outsides and ribbed interiors, one end slightly wider than the other in order to receive the combined engine rear and afterburner ring, which slides inside once everything is painted up. The final part to each exhaust is the nozzle, which the rear of the trunk slides into. The nozzle has extreme detail on the inside surfaces, and delicate layers on the tips, as well as the fine lines separating each petal from the other. Each exhaust is then slipped inside the rear of the kit as a drop-in replacement for the kit assemblies, beating them by a substantial margin in terms of detail. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

This is Typhoon 1b MN595 HF-D of 183 Sqdn RAF in which FO Robert David Ackers was killed in action on 18 August 1944. FO Ackers’ squadron was undertaking an armed recce operation with cannons and rockets in the fiercely contested actions in the Falaise area when his aircraft was hit by flak. It was seen to stall and crash some 6km north of Argentan. The body of the 21 year old pilot was recovered and laid to rest in the churchyard of the village of Occagnes. My attempt was to broadly model the aircraft before it undertook its final mission, parked up at the edge of a Normandy field. I used some "modeller's licence" to show a number of panels removed, but this is unlikely to have been done in reality when the aircraft was armed up. Also, the small repeat of the squadron code and serial number at the top of the fin (noticed on another of the squadron's aircraft a few days after the loss of this one) may - or may not - have been on this particular aircraft. Sorry, I should have dusted the model before these photos!... Aftermarket stuff included BarracudaCast seat, wheels and carburettor intake, Airscale instrument panel decals, Maketar insignia paint masks, Master rocket set (fabulous!) & Brassin cannons. The wheel chocks were my first attempt at 3d design & printing (let me know if you would like the .stl file). The build thread is here. Once again, I would like to give my thanks to those who followed along and offered advice, information (thanks Bryan Ribbans, @Chris Thomas ) and even donated (thanks Iain @(ex)Sgtrafman) some no longer available after-market parts - I am moved by your generosity. In fact the kit itself was a gift from my old modelling club when I moved away from the area. I took the model to show them that I had actually built it, rather than leaving it in the stash. It survived that trip (to the south of France and back!) without any breakages just before the Telford show (where it received an award in the competition).... Thanks for viewing Pat Camp

A6M3 Zero Tail Wheel PRINT (648787) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve reviewed the recent minor retool of the new Eduard Zero, which is the A6M3 Type 32 in ProfiPACK guise, which you can see here if you haven’t yet. It’s a gorgeous kit, and these new sets have been created in parallel to give the modeller who is in search of even more detail than is possible with injection moulded styrene, even with today’s advanced techniques. There were originally eight sets in the review pile, so to avoid burn-out of your scrolling finger, we snipped them up into bite-sized chunks. This last set covers the tail of the beast, and takes that area to a new level of detail. Eduard As is now usual with Eduard's smaller resin sets, they arrive in the new shallow Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. This set consists of four 3D printed parts, all of which are attached to printing bases by thin tendrils of resin that are easy to remove. The first task is to remove the rearmost section of the fuselage under the rudder, as well as the bottom pin from the rudder itself, and a portion of the internal structure aft of the arrestor hook, all of which is marked out in red on the instructions. The fuselage closure included the new bulkhead, which is covered with detail, and has the mounting points for the gear leg printed into it. The leg has the small tail wheel integrated, and has a small sheet of C-shaped kabuki tape masks (not pictured) to help with painting, after which it can be glued to the bulkhead with super glue, adding the wishbone structure that supports the rudder pivot, and four short lengths of wire from your own stock that are colour-coded to help with arranging them. With the internals complete, the 3D printed tail fairing is painted on the inside with Aotake primer, picking out the delicate ribbing that is printed on the inside in addition to the riveted outer skin, which has a hollow pair of fairings at the root of the elevators. The kit tail-light is reused to complete the tail, and as well as making your model just that bit more detailed, the set would be of great use to anyone depicting a maintenance diorama where the fairing has been removed during the process. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

A6M3 Zero Upgrades (For Eduard) 1:48 Eduard We’ve reviewed the recent minor retool of the new Eduard Zero, which is the A6M3 Type 32 in ProfiPACK guise, which you can see here if you haven’t yet. It’s a gorgeous kit, and these new sets have been created in parallel to give the modeller who is in search of even more detail than is possible with injection moulded styrene, even with today’s advanced techniques. There were originally eight sets in the review pile, so to avoid burn-out of your scrolling finger, we snipped them up into bite-sized chunks. This third chunk covers more sets that are intended as relatively quick, effective updates to the detail of the kit, and in the case of the mask set to make the task much easier and the result more impressive. As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE), smaller Brassin and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. Wheels (648799) Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department. That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument. They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement. This set includes three resin parts, two main wheels in grey resin with the attachment to the casting block on the slight weighting flat-spot at the bottom of the tyre. The tail-wheel is cast in tougher white resin, and includes the tiny cylindrical wheel and the strut that attaches into the bay within the fuselage. There is also a set of pre-cut Kabuki-style masks (not pictured) for the wheels to cut the demarcation between hubs and tyres neatly. The tail-wheel even has a pair of C-shaped masks to assist with painting it. SPACE 3D Printed Cockpit Decals (3DL48088) The Eduard SPACE sets use new 3D printing techniques that lay down successive layers of different colour resin, creating highly realistic almost full complete panels that are supplied on a decal sheet. They can depict metallic shades, plus glossy, satin and matt colours too, which really ups the detail on everything they print. In addition, a small sheet of nickel-plated and pre-painted PE is included for the aspects of the set that lend themselves better to this medium, such as seatbelts and rudder pedals. The decals provide all the instrument panel and various boxes around the cockpit, printed in interior green and with fantastic glossy instrument dials that have colourful faces where appropriate. The PE is pre-painted and includes additional parts for the cockpit, a small quantity of which duplicates the PE that is included in the ProfiPACK, but also includes a set of four seatbelts that are arranged in the Japanese “off-the-shoulder” style, much like a modern car seatbelt but with buckles rather than a clip, and there are three diagrams showing how they should be correctly arranged on the seat. Masks Tface (EX899) Supplied on a large sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with everything for the exterior of the canopy, but also give you another set of masks tailored to fit the interior of the glazing so that you can paint the interior of it and give your model that extra bit of realism. Having now used them on one of my own projects, I intend to use them whenever I can from now. Review sample courtesy of

A6M3 Zero 3D Printed Cockpit (648800) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve reviewed the recent minor retool of the new Eduard Zero, which is the A6M3 Type 32 in ProfiPACK guise, which you can see here if you haven’t yet. It’s a gorgeous kit, and these new sets have been created in parallel to give the modeller who is in search of even more detail than is possible with injection moulded styrene, even with today’s advanced techniques. There are eight sets in the review pile right now, so to avoid burn-out of your scrolling finger, we’re snipping them up into bite-sized chunks. This set deserves its own review, as it’s absolutely gorgeous and a credit to the designers, which is actually pretty normal for these new Eduard sets. As is now usual with Eduard's larger resin sets, they arrive in a deep Brassin branded cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. Inside the box are thirty-one 3D printed resin parts, a small fret of Photo-Etch (PE) STEEL that is also pre-printed, and a small decal sheet. The parts will need to be removed from their printing bases by detaching the tendril-like mounting rods, and on some of them a small raised spot will need to be sanded off from the liberated part. The process is quite straight forward, if a little messy due to the brittleness and number of tendrils, but the results are well worth it. Construction begins with the seat and its attendant four belts, with three diagrams showing the correct placement of them over the seat. The next sub assembly is the instrument panel, beginning with the panel support with an equipment box in the centre, a small twin dial just above it with a double-layer PE surround, and at the top the gunsight with twin film layers inserted at angles into the top. The main cockpit part is so well-detailed that you could be forgiven for thinking it was complete already, but there’s still plenty of work to do, starting with using the kit window in the floor, and adding a tiny lever to one of the upstands sprouting from the starboard side of the floor. The rudder pedals are moulded into the floor, but have PE straps fixed over them, plus an adjustment star in the centre. There is also a seat adjustment lever that attaches to the rear frame of the cockpit, two equipment boxes mounted on a ledge on the starboard side, both of which have decals on their faces, the mounting rail for the seat, which the seat assembly then hooks onto, the top lugs fixing into recesses in the rear bulkhead. The control column and a lever insert into the floor, with some detail painting going on through this and every other step, after which the instrument panel is slotted into the front of the curved ribs that sprout from the front of the floor, and a rod slides through the rear of the cockpit, just in front of the three bottles at the very rear. The starboard side console is detail painted and has decals added to it along with a couple of levers, resting between the front and rear ribs of the cockpit, then the complex shaped ammo boxes and feeder pathway for the twin nose guns is dropped into holes in the front of the cockpit floor, ready for the twin machine guns that have brass cocking levers. A pair of light-like cups are installed to the back of each side console, after which the fuselage half is detailed with a lot of extra instruments with decals and PE parts included, while the rear of the lower wing is upgraded with more detailed equipment boxes and another cylinder to replace the kit parts. The port fuselage sidewall is also upgraded with similarly high levels of detail, and at last the cockpit assembly can be enclosed by the fuselage halves, with one last piece of equipment added to the port side during closure. The last stage shows the cockpit being finished off by the addition of the kit’s front deck and the rear canopy, as well as adding the lower wings, all of which are kit parts. Conclusion The detail of these new 3D printed cockpits is beyond stunning, and the way they fit together is incredible from an engineering point of view as well as detail. The finished item is at the pinnacle of modelling detail as it stands. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

A6M3 Zero PRINT Upgrade Sets (for Eduard) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve reviewed the recent minor retool of the new Eduard Zero, which is the A6M3 Type 32 in ProfiPACK guise, which you can see here if you haven’t yet. It’s a gorgeous kit, and these new sets have been created in parallel to give the modeller who is in search of even more detail than is possible with injection moulded styrene, even with today’s advanced techniques. There are eight sets in the review pile right now, so to avoid burn-out of your scrolling finger, we’re snipping them up into bite-sized chunks. This first chunk covers the three 3D printed sets that are intended as quick, effective updates to the detail of the kit. As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE), smaller Brassin and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. The delicate nature of the parts has been considered, encasing each one in a crystal-clear clamshell box that also has a sticky pad to keep the parts inside from rattling about during transit. A6M3 Seat (648786) This set has a single printed seat on a base with incredible detail, including the lightening holes that also let the bullets through, along with detail on every surface. Additionally, a sheet of STEEL PE seatbelts are included, nickel-plated and colour printed, with four belts present and a helpful series of diagrams to assist you in laying them out correctly. The seat is called out as being painted “cockpit colour”, so refer back to your kit instructions for that one. A6M3 Cannon Barrels & Cockpit Guns (648788) Containing two complete machine guns, two barrels and muzzle brakes, plus a tiny fret of PE brass that I forgot to photograph, this allows the modeller to replace the kit machine guns that protrude into the cockpit on either side of the instrument panel, along with the cocking lever from PE, with a spare just in case you lose one. The wing guns give you a choice of using the long barrel or just the short hollow muzzle that sits almost flush with the leading edge of the wings. A6M3 Exhausts (648801) The contents of this set are tiny, consisting of two short tear-drop profile exhaust stubs that replace the kit exhausts that you should remove beforehand. They share a print base, and can be cut off easily due to the minute tendrils that join them to the base. They’re not far from a drop-in solution that give you a more in-scale tip to the exhausts. Review sample courtesy of

F/A-18F Ejection Seats & Wheels (648775 & 648776) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We recently reviewed the first batch of aftermarket from Eduard for the new Meng F/A-18F here, and now we have a second tranche, including wheels and a delightful pair of ejection seats, all highly detailed and pretty much drop-in replacements. As is now usual with Eduard's medium resin sets, they arrive in a shallow cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. The smaller sets are supplied in flat resealable packs with the instructions wrapped around the protective card inserts within. Ejection Seats (648775) The two seat Super Hornet carries its pilots on a pair of Martin Baker Mk.14 seats, and those seats are replicated in exceptional detail in this boxed set. Arriving in two Ziploc bags, the first bag contains two each of the main seat components, cushions and umbilical between the pilot and aircraft. The other bag has a small fret of brass Photo-Etch (PE) that depicts the anti-flail leg restraints that tighten in the event of ejection, a full set of four-point crew harnesses in pre-painted brass, plus the stripey pull-handles that initiated the process between the pilot’s knees, and additional loops and controls on the side of the seat pan. The decal sheet includes three stencils per side of each seat, one of which is a stripey rectangle that is wrapped around the alternative ejection handle on the right side of the seat pan. Paint codes are given using Gunze codes for acrylic and lacquer, and stencil decal placement is shown on a pair of diagrams on the instruction booklet. Wheels (648776) Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department. That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument. They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement. This set includes two main wheels with separate rear hubs that have copious brake detail moulded-in, plus two nose wheels, all of which have fabulous detail on the side walls, circumferential tread on the contact patches, and a minimal amount of sag in the bottom of the tyre where the weight of the aircraft makes itself visible. This is also where the casting block is attached to each wheel, so once cut off, it just needs to be flatted off and doesn’t affect the tread. Painting is eased by the inclusion of a sheet of pre-cut kabuki tape masks (not pictured) that will allow you to cut the demarcation between wheels and tyres with little effort. Conclusion A fabulously well-detailed pair of resin and PE sets that will add extra detail to an already excellent kit. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F-3 Wildcat Life Raft (648770 for Eduard) 1:48 Eduard Brassin Just when you thought it was safe to back in the water (quite literally in the case of this set). More aftermarket for the new tool Wildcat from Eduard, and this is the second wave of aftermarket sets that they have released for those that want to increase the level of detail over and above what’s achievable using injection moulded styrene. As is now usual with Eduard's larger resin sets, they arrive in a deep Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. This set is an unusual one, and will doubtless appeal immediately to anyone that has a hankering to open up some panels, or anyone crazy enough to want to build a ditching diorama with a Wildcat in the drink and sinking as the pilot absconds with his dinghy. Inside the two Ziploc bags are ten 3D printed parts, plus a small fret of bare Photo-Etch (PE) in its own bag with a card protector. The instructions are wrapped around the parts to protect them, and are accompanied by two sheets of foam due to the delicate nature of some of the parts. For once, the instructions don’t detail the removal of the areas of the fuselage with their usual red-outlined drawings, but looking at the fuselage halves currently in my spray booth shows that it’s a very simple task to identify where to make the cuts. Work inside the panel lines and fine-tune the cut-out until your new bay part fits snugly, and the two hatches fit without looking sloppy. With the bay in place, you can choose to put the two bags inside and strap them down with some wires from your own stock, and add a small eyelet to the front of the bay. Your other option is to leave the bay empty apart from the afore mentioned wires draped over the edge of the bay, because Eduard have thoughtfully included a full dinghy in black 3D printed resin, which is finished off by adding a PE seat across the middle, and a pair of rollocks on the sides. A gas cylinder is placed at an angle across the bow in a shallow recess, and you can choose where you’d like to position the two oars, depending on what you intend to do with your dinghy. Finishing off the adaptation of your kit includes placing a narrow spine stringer down the centre and then gluing the doors in the opened position. I now need another Wildcat, and the skills to create a ditching diorama. Damn! Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F-3 Cockpit w/Telescopic Gunsight (648765 for Eduard) 1:48 Eduard Brassin But wait… there’s more! More aftermarket for the new tool Wildcat from Eduard, and this is the second wave of aftermarket sets that they have released for those that want to increase the level of detail over and above what’s achievable using injection moulded styrene. As is now usual with Eduard's larger resin sets, they arrive in a deep Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. This set will please those that want to model an earlier Wildcat with the simple telescopic sight that was fitted to the first aircraft off the production line. There are three Ziploc bags within the box, two containing directly 3D printed parts, the other containing a fret of nickel-plated pre-painted Photo-Etch (PE), and a small decal sheet, both protected by a small sheet of white card. On emptying the parts out of the bag, the first thing you notice is the sheer level of detail present, but also the relatively small parts count thanks to the capabilities of 3D printers, where supports are all that is required to protect overhangs, and there is no degrading of mould fidelity over time because there are no moulds to wear out. The short parts list is also evident immediately on viewing the instructions, which begin with an ostensibly complete aft cockpit assembly, to which you add the seat with painted PE lap belts only for the initial batch of airframes. The control column slips into a deep recess in the gaiter, some half-moon levers are added at the sides of the pilot, then the forward bulkhead with integral tank, plus a separate head cushion are mated to the cockpit. The side consoles are slotted between the two bulkheads with detailed painting guide and decal placement instructions to complete those, then a little wire from your own stocks is threaded through sections of the cockpit, and the kit bulkhead is brought in from behind. The beautifully detailed rudder pedals are a single part that is truly amazing to behold, and it too has its own painting instructions and two decals for the centre of the piece. The kit insert to the tank is slotted into the 3D printed part to complete it, and then you have a choice of how to complete the instrument panel, using a blank panel with two-layer PE dial sections plus some tiny levers, or a detailed printed panel to which you add a decal, or if you’re very brave, paint fully yourself. The small angled coaming with separate tubular gunsight is glued to the top of the coaming to finish off. The cockpit can then be inserted into the fuselage as per the kit instructions, but with a small resin part fixed to the starboard interior, and a pair of tiny pegs are removed from the styrene part. If you are a little anxious about removing the 3D printed parts from their printing bases, and having to deal with all those tendril-like fingers that hold them in place and support them during printing and curing, fret not. As it was the first time I had dealt with a completely 3D printed cockpit from Eduard, I took the precaution of removing the parts from their bases of the previously reviewed later cockpit and preparing them for assembly as part of my build. It didn’t take me long, as I used the new CMK Razor Saw set we reviewed a wee while ago here. I used the square blade chucked all the way over on the fine-toothed blade side, and once I’d cut the attachment points, I snapped off the fingers so I could work on the next side easily. Some parts you can just saw at the base of the supports, but it gets messy and you can’t quite see what you’re cutting. Here’s a quick pic of the mess I was making during the removal process, remembering it isn’t this set, but one very similar: After a little sanding of the forest of tiny ‘pimples’ that were left under parts and the more delicate parts being trimmed by a new #11 blade, the results were very pleasing. There are detailed painting and decaling instructions given throughout the leaflet, in Eduard’s usual Gunze Aqueous and lacquer ranges, using H and C codes respectively. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

EA-18G Growler Upgrade Sets (for MENG) 1:48 Eduard Meng’s new series of Super Hornet kits now includes a single-seater -E, twin-seater -F, and the latest Growler, which is an electronic warfare variant of the airframe, packed with hardware in underslung pods to disrupt enemy operations and ease the way of their allies on difficult missions over enemy territory. Those three kits are impressively detailed, but you can always improve on styrene perfection with other media. Eduard's new range of sets are here to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner. Get what you want for the areas you want to be more of a focal point. As usual with Eduard's Photo-Etch (PE), SPACE 3D printed and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between. The smaller Brassin resin sets arrive in the new shallow cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. EA-18G Update Set (491288) Two frets are included, one nickel-plated and pre-painted, the other in bare brass, plus a small slip of acetate sheet with HUD glazing shapes printed on its surface. A complete set of two new layered instrument panels that are full of MFDs complete with deep lustrous green screens; side consoles with added levers for both cockpits and additional instrument boxes for the bulkheads, and even a button-studded front for the control column. The floor of the pilot’s area has a combined interior skin and rudder pedal box, and just above it on the coaming is a new PE HUD with twin acetate films cut from the included sheet to replicate the glazing. The turtle-deck behind the pilots is augmented with additional parts, requiring some small lengths of 1.2mm rod; the windscreen is finished with a horse-shoe lip; with another on the canopy that has rear-view mirrors included, with more for the rear-seater; the canopy is further upgraded with a wiring harness inside the rear, sidewalls to the interior with a row of hooks to close the canopy, and a detail skin at the very rear that will only be seen if the canopy is posed open. The exterior is then updated with a brand-new four-layer nose gear bay door with additional PE hinges and actuator attachment points, plus a small area bowed outward by using a ball-pen from the other side; the rest of the landing gear bay doors are fitted out with actuator-points; the built-in crew access ladder has the option of being deployed, by removing the detail and adding a shallow bay, plus a short door that hangs down, and the ladder itself, which is made up from twin-layered sides and folded-over rungs that are joined together and attached to the interior of the new bay, and uses the kit’s stay plus two more from the PE set, one V-shaped, the other with a square attachment patch that stands out at an angle. The weapons pylons are fitted with attachment surfaces so that if you leave any/all of them empty, as is often the case in real-world instances, the detail will be suitable for inspection. The final parts are wiring and hoses for the landing gear legs, one for the nose gear leg, and two each for the cranked main gear. There is also a small equipment box added to the side of the nose gear bay, just for completeness. Zoom! Set (FE1288) This set contains a reduced subset of the interior, namely the pre-painted parts that are used to improve on the main aspects of the cockpit, as seen above. Whatever your motivations for wanting this set, it provides a welcome boost to detail, without being concerned with the structural elements. Seatbelts STEEL (FE1289) These belts are Photo-Etch (PE) steel, and because of their strength they can be etched from thinner material, which improves realism and flexibility in one sitting. Coupled with the new painting method that adds perceived extra depth to the buckles and other furniture by shading, they are more realistic looking and will drape better than regular brass PE. As well as the two sets of crew belts, you also get a set of the pull-handles between the pilot's knees that gets him out of there in case of an emergency; anti-flail leg straps; a replacement headbox detail insert on both sides of each seat, and a number of stencils for the sides of the seats. Ejection Seats (648773) This set arrives in a small Brassin box, and contains the parts necessary to complete a pair of highly detailed ejection seats for your model. Each seat is supplied as a main element, to which the seat cushion is affixed. A resin umbilical hose is fitted to the left side of the seat, and a full set of four-point crew belts are supplied in painted PE for the pilots, along with some small parts to fit to the seat’s sides and some anti-flail leg restraints to protect the crew in case of ejection, after pulling the stripy new handle between their knees. It’s worth noting that where it is needed, the PE has been painted on both sides so you don’t have to faff about matching colours if shiny nickel can be seen on completion. Wheels (648774) Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department. That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument. They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement. There are four wheels on separate casting blocks in the flat-pack set, plus two separate hubs for the main gear wheels. All of them are drop-in replacements for the kit parts once removed from their blocks, and to assist you with painting, there is a sheet of pre-cut kabuki-style masking material included (not pictured), to help you cut the demarcations perfectly with little effort. Masks (EX876) Supplied on a sheet of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the canopy, with compound curved handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape. In addition, you get a set of hub/tyre masks for all the wheels, allowing you to cut the demarcation perfectly with little effort. Masks Tface (EX877) Supplied on two sheets of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with everything above, but also give you another set of canopy masks tailored to fit the interior of the glazing so that you can paint the interior and give your model that extra bit of realism, which will be especially useful if you have the PE upgrade set, as it provides you with canopy interior details. Highly recommended, one and all. Review sample courtesy of

Su-25 Wheels (648780 for Zvezda) 1:48 Eduard Brassin Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have the resultant joins to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology, especially in the tread department and even more so on older kits. That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument. They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling, as they are usually a drop-in replacement. These wheels are patterned for the new Zvezda kit although it could equally be used for the Kopro or Monogram kits, adding incredible levels of detail to the landing gear and its prominent front mudguard, with almost drop-in replacement parts. Inside the shallow Brassin box are three resin wheels on separate casting blocks, all of which have a slight sag at the bottom to replicate the weight of the aircraft, a 3D Printed mudguard in one piece with fabulous detail and finesse, a small Photo-Etch (PE) sheet with two parts on, and a sheet of pre-cut kabuki tape masking material to allow you to cut the demarcation between tyres and hubs with little effort. The three wheels are drop-in replacements for the kit parts, offering improved detail over and above what is achievable with injection moulded styrene. The mudguard is 3D printed, and will need to be clipped off its printing base, after which you add the bottom guard using one of the PE parts that you should bend to fit the shallow curve of the resin part. There is a spare in case you mess one up or lose it. The colours are called out in Gunze Aqueous and lacquer codes using their H and C numbers. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F-3 Exhausts & F4F Gun Barrels (648766 & 648769 for Eduard) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve just reviewed the super new tool Wildcat from Eduard, and this is one of the many aftermarket sets that they have released at the same time for those that want to increase the level of detail over and above what’s achievable using injection moulded styrene. Although the sets arrive in a flat package, the directly 3D printed parts are safe inside a clear plastic clamshell box inside the package, which also has a sticky pad inside to prevent the parts from rattling about. The parts are printed resin, attached to the base via thin tendril-like fingers that are easy to cut off and sand the little upstands away, leaving them ready for action. F4F-3 Exhausts PRINT (648766) The sticky pad in this set holds two exhausts on its print base, which have super detail and are totally hollow, with crisp detail around the lip and along the weld-lines. There is a tab to fix the parts to the kit in a drop-in manner, once they have been prepared and painted appropriately. F4F Gun barrels PRINT (648769) Although the very early Wildcats only had four .50cal machine guns, later output had their armament increased to six, although with no extra bullets in the magazines, doubtless leading to some frantic clicking and the lucky escape of a Zero on occasion. This set contains six barrels with hollow muzzles and recesses to depict the holes in the cooling jacket all over the sides of the tubes. Once removed from the base, they’re a simple drop-in replacement, and although tiny, the detail is exceptional, just like the exhausts above. I couldn’t resist cutting one free just to see if the hole went all the way through. It didn’t, but it looks deep enough for our needs. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F-3 Wheels Early & Late (648767 & 648768 for Eduard) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve just reviewed the super new tool F4F-3 Wildcat from Eduard, and this is one of the many aftermarket sets that they have released at the same time for those that want to increase the level of detail over and above what’s achievable using injection moulded styrene. As is now usual with Eduard's smaller resin sets, they arrive in a shallow Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. F4F-3 Wheels Early (648767) This set includes two main wheels with cast-in hubs in grey resin, and three choices of tail wheels, their fairings and yokes. There is also a sheet of pre-cut yellow kabuki-style masking material (not pictured) included along with the instructions to allow you to cut the demarcation between wheels and tyres cleanly, and with little effort. Once removed from their casting blocks the wheels are all drop-in replacements for the kit parts, and each has a slight weighting moulded into the bottom of the tyre to simulate the pressure of the aircraft. F4F-3 Wheels Late (648768) This set is slightly different, as in addition to the two main wheels and three tail wheels in resin, there are also two insanely delicate-looking spoked hubs that have been 3D printed and are safely ensconced inside a clear clamshell box with a sticky pad, plus a small fret of Photo-Etch (PE) containing two flat hubs in the same bag as the masking material. You choose whether to use the spoked hubs or the flat ones during the build, but it would be a real shame not to use the spoked hubs as they’re so attractive. Again, all wheels have a flat-spot on their bases to simulate weight. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F Undercarriage BRONZE (648779 for Eduard) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve just reviewed the super new tool Wildcat from Eduard, and this is one of the many aftermarket sets that they have released at the same time for those that want to increase the level of detail over and above what’s achievable using injection moulded styrene. As is now usual with Eduard's smaller resin sets, they arrive in a shallow Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. This set enhances the styrene landing gear with metal main struts and 3D printed resin supports on one side, utilising some of the kit parts for the other side. In the box are a pair of cast bronze main struts, which need very little in the way of preparation, just removing the sprue clipping point from the upper tubular section, which is best done with a motor tool and abrasive disc, taking your time so the part doesn’t overheat and you don't go past the moulded-in limit (you can just see this in the pic above). With that done, the resin parts are removed from their printing bases and glued in place in the same manner as the original kit parts. The other side of the support is taken from the kit, using parts L1 and L2, as well as the lower supports from the kit, which are parts L6 and L7. The main benefit of the bronze is strength, but the included 3D printed centreline gear bay doors are a big improvement on the kit parts and are printed as single parts with no fiddly gluing of small bits together. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F-3 Cockpit w/Reflector Gunsight PRINT (648777 for Eduard) 1:48 Eduard Brassin We’ve just reviewed the super new tool Wildcat from Eduard, and this is one of the many aftermarket sets that they have released at the same time for those that want to increase the level of detail over and above what’s achievable using injection moulded styrene. As is now usual with Eduard's larger resin sets, they arrive in a deep Brassin cardboard box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in bags, and the instructions folded around acting as padding. There are three Ziploc bags within the box, two containing directly 3D printed parts, the other containing a fret of nickel-plated pre-painted Photo-Etch (PE), a tiny slip of acetate and a small decal sheet, both protected by a small sheet of white card. On emptying the parts out of the bag, the first thing you notice is the sheer level of detail present, but also the relatively small parts count thanks to the capabilities of 3D printers, where supports are all that is required to protect overhangs, and there is no degrading of mould fidelity over time because there are no moulds to wear out. The short parts list is also evident immediately on viewing the instructions, which begin with an ostensibly complete aft cockpit assembly, to which you add the seat with either painted PE lap belts only for the initial batch, or a full set of four-point belts for later production. The control column slips into a deep recess in the gaiter, some half-moon levers are added at the sides of the pilot, then the forward bulkhead with integral tank, plus a separate head cushion are mated to the cockpit. The side consoles are slotted between the two bulkheads with detailed painting guide and decal placement instructions complete those, then a little wire from your own stocks is threaded through sections of the cockpit, and the kit bulkhead is brought in from behind. The beautifully detailed rudder pedals are a single part that is truly amazing to behold, and it too has its own painting instructions and two decals for the centre of the piece. The kit insert to the tank is slotted into the 3D printed part to complete it, and then you have a choice of how to complete the instrument panel, using a blank panel with two-layer PE dial sections plus some tiny levers, or a detailed printed panel to which you add a decal, or if you’re very brave, paint fully yourself. The small angled coaming with moulded-in reflector gunsight is added atop the panel that is locked in on two pegs, and a tiny piece of acetate sheet is glued to the top of the sight to finish off. The cockpit can then be inserted into the fuselage as per the kit instructions, but with a small resin part fixed to the starboard interior, and a pair of tiny pegs are removed from the styrene part. If you are a little anxious about removing the 3D printed parts from their printing bases, and having to deal with all those tendril-like fingers that hold them in place and support them during printing and curing, fret not. As this is the first time I have dealt with a completely 3D printed cockpit from Eduard, I took the precaution of removing the parts from their bases and preparing them as if for assembly. It didn’t take me long, as I used the new CMK Razor Saw set we reviewed a wee while ago here. I used the square blade chucked all the way over on the fine-toothed blade side, and once I’d cut the attachment points, I snapped off the fingers so I could work on the next side easily. Some parts you can just saw at the base of the supports, but it gets messy and you can’t quite see what you’re cutting. Here’s a quick pic of the mess I was making during the removal process: After a little sanding of the forest of tiny ‘pimples’ that were left under parts and the more delicate parts being trimmed by a new #11 blade, the results were very pleasing, as you can see below: There are detailed painting and decaling instructions given throughout the leaflet, in Eduard’s usual Gunze Aqueous and lacquer ranges, using H and C codes respectively. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

F4F Seat PRINT (672291 for Arma Hobby) 1:72 Eduard Brassin Although this set arrives in a flat package, the directly 3D printed parts are safe inside a clear plastic clamshell box inside the package, which also has a sticky pad inside to prevent the parts from rattling about. This set has onew printed resin seat on its own print platform, with the parts attached to the base via thin tendril-like fingers that are easy to cut off and sand the little upstands away, leaving the parts ready for action. There is also a small fret of STEEL Photo-Etch (PE) that are also pre-printed with seatbelt parts, which includes four belts and a single comfort-pad for underneath the buckle. Once removed from the print-base, the seat is a drop-in replacement, and after painting it should be draped with the seatbelts, the shoulder straps in a single Y-shape that is folded over the rear of the seat-back, while the lap belts are attached to the sides of the seat and folded over as if the pilot has just left his cockpit. Detail is fabulous as you’d imagine from 3D Printed resin and PE, which should be easy enough to add some extra detail to your Arma Wildcat. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of