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HMS Belfast detail sets 1/350 White Ensign Models The release of HMS Belfast was yet another pleasant surprise from Trumpeter, but as is their want, they didn’t quite get it right. But now, with the release of these three sets from White Ensign Models will help the maritime modeller build a pretty accurate and very detailed model of one of the finest looking light cruisers in the world, and probably one of the most famous, since it’s still afloat in the Pool of London and open to visitors. Etch Detail Set, PE 35172. To detail the kit White Ensign Models have released this large etched set, comprising of two sheets, each 290mm x 127mm in size, packed to the gunwhales with parts, delivered in their usual sturdy envelope, well protected with thick card. The instructions are typical WEM, being very clear and easy to read with some useful written instructions on how to shape the relative parts and which alternative parts are required and were they are fitted. There are parts for building an earlier mod state of the ship as well as the later outfitting. Sheet A contains all the ships railings pre-made to the correct size for each area they are required. There are several types of radar included, such as the Type 284, 282 and 285 Yagi antennas, Type 291 and Type 281 radars in addition to Type 86 and Type 91 TBS antenna. There are one set of accommodation ladders provided, one for each side of the ship. The usual inclined ladders are provided along with the 8-Barrelled Pom-Pom fittings, Walrus Amphibian parts, Early mast top platforms and DF antenna, boiler room vent grilles, Foremast and Mainmast top gaff, paravane parts, Mainmast IFF responder and the Foretop Anemometer array. Since the funnels in the kit are of the wrong shape two sets of cap grilles have been provided, one pair for the kit parts and another pair for the correction set, available from WEM. Sheet B contains the more specific parts for the ship. Starting with the main cranes, these complete replacement units consist of new jibs, bases, jib rests, pulleys, and hooks, along with two lengths of rigging depending on whether the jib is raised or lowered. Styrene rod will need to be used for various parts in the build. There are numerous platform supports and new platforms for the Radar lantern, mainmast, and foremast. The foredeck gets a new breakwater with its respective front and rear braces. There are also new items for the hanger with doors that can be wound round a styrene rod to show them open. The catapult gets a new track, top inside plate, side braces, extenders and manoeuvring pump. Whilst Trumpeter have produced some very nice ships boats, this set takes them to a new level in providing interiors for each of the 35’, 36’ and 25’ motor boats including steering wheel in addition to new rudder/propeller skegs, handrails, and masts. The 16’ dinghy, 32’ cutter and 25’ motor launch all get new rudders and a selection of oars for the all except the dinghy. All the ships boats are provided with new cradles and/or frames to sit on. The rest of the sheet is filled with items such as watertight doors, deck hatches, replacement torpedo doors, blakes stoppers, 4” gun mount details, 20mm mounts, the mainmast starfish platform and supports, aldis lamps, bridge and lower bridge venture strips and the hawspipe gratings. Finally there are three runs of stock anchor chain, but these are a little flat for use and they would be better replaced with real chain or WEM’s own battleship chain set and several lengths of generic vertical ladder stock. Pro 3536,. A direct replacement set for the kit parts, mainly meant to correct the ships funnels, but also the compass platform, which inaccurately moulded in the kit. The resin is really well moulded and the new funnels give the whole kit a more accurate look. They don't have the "depth" of opening like the kit funnels, but once painted black and the grilles fitted they will look fine. Of course the modeller could always open the funnels out more. Pro 3537, is another simple direct replacement set for the ships yardarms with one each of very finely turned upper and lower yards. Conclusion It was wonderful to finally get a kit of HMS Belfast in 1:350 scale, it had been a long wait, but it was worth it, even with the inaccurate funnels. Now though, the modeller can not only super detail their kit with the fabulous etched brass set, but also make the model more accurate with the release of the funnels and compass platform, then, add a little more finesse to the finished model with a pair of scale turned brass yardarms, what more could the modeller want. Very highly recommended Review sample kindly provided be John at

King Tiger for Academy 1:35 Eduard The new Academy King Tiger is a corker of a kit, but as always there’s always room for improvement, and Eduard have now released two new sets to super detail the kit. Admittedly some of the styrene parts within the kit can look rather over scale and this is where the etched parts really come into their own. The modeller will need to provide styrene or brass rod and some of the kit detail needs to be removed before the etched parts can be added, as per standard procedure for Eduard sets. [36260 External Set] This set is contained on a medium sized fret of relief etched brass. As is pretty much standard with these sets the majority of the smaller parts are dedicated to replacing the clamps, brackets and supports for the various pioneer tools. Also include are new brackets and straps for the headlights and fire extinguisher. Each of the vision blocks around the commanders cupola are fitted with new guards. For the engine deck the set includes not only mesh grilles, but armoured covers for them, theses are supported by four risers made of styrene rod sourced from the modellers supplies. The turret receives new lifting eyes, hatch fittings for the gunner, (internal and external), commander and expended cartridges, (also internal as well as external). There are also foot steps up the turret sides and additional fittings for the turret roof. [36257 Fender Set] As the name suggests, this set is for the complete replacement of the tanks fenders and side skirts. The set comprises a medium sized and a smaller sized fret. Each of the side pieces and mudguards will need to be carefully bent to shape and fitted to the sides of the model. Unfortunately Eduard haven’t given any templates for this, so it’ll be a bit of trial and error using the kits parts to get the shape right. Between each individual section there is an additional jointing piece which will also need to be bent to the correct shape. The front mudguards are slightly more tricky in that they need to be rolled to shape and the side piece folded to sit snugly alongside the curved part. Additional details such as the hinges, strengthening strips and locks are provided for both the front and rear mudguards. Conclusion A pair of very nice sets, which given the detail on the Academy kit may not be necessary to some modellers, but they will certainly give an extra finesse to the detail, particularly the fenders with the better scale thickness. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Messerschmitt detail Sets Eduard/Brassin 1:32 Revell produced are cracking kit in their 1:32 Me-109G-6 particularly for the price, but it have some shortcomings and Eduard believe the detail also needed to be spruced up. With this in mind they have released a selection of sets for this kit, and an additional one for those modellers who would like to use the kit in a diorama. All these sets can be found in the Big Ed set or bought separately, it’s entirely up to the modeller to decide how much detail they would like or need to add. The relief etched brass is up to their usual high standards yet the instructions still let them down and really should be clearer on how parts are folded and fitted. Detail Set (32788) The two sheets contained in the standard poly sleeve provide parts for both the interior and exterior, so no need for separate sets. The majority of parts are on a medium sized relief etched sheet whilst the smaller sheet containing the cockpit parts is mostly pre-painted and self adhesive. For the cockpit the set includes a new seat support and panel for the rear bulkhead, new seat pan, a pair of very well detailed rudder pedals, trim wheel control chains and support bracket. The instrument panel is made up of several layers with the instruments printed on the backing plate, as other sets of this nature a drop of Klear or Aqua Gloss will be needed to represent the instrument glass. On the side walls there are several new or replacement instrument boxes and pre-printed faces, along with new cable runs and pipework. Each of the alternative gunsights receives new reflector glass supports, lens surround and brackets. Externally the set provides new radiator front and rear grids, a new intake grille, internal fittings for the radiator housings and main wheel bays; brake pipes and replacement lower undercarriage leg doors. The ailerons are given new end plates and the slats are provided with new internal lip strips. There is a nicely detail aerial mounting bracket on the tail fin and strap for the drop tank. Finally, each of the alternative canopies receive new armoured back plates and handles for the windscreen frame. Interior Zoom Set (33128) This zoom set contains only the above pre-painted sheet and allows the modeller to build a well detailed cockpit without the hassle of getting bogged down with detail that might otherwise be deemed superfluous. Tools and Boxes (32351) For those modellers that want to use their model in a diorama, whether in a workshop or on the line then this two sheet set will be just for you. The main part is the carry case, which, once folded to shape is fitted with four carry handles, two per side. Into this are fitted four shelves, two shallow ones for the general tools, such as spanners, snips, hammers, cutters and the like, (all provided), and too deeper ones in which the more specialist tools are held, all safely kept in place by various spacers and locking parts. Also included is a large tool roll, which when assembled and painted up should look great lying on a wing on the grass by the aircraft. The roll is also well populated with the more popular tools such as screwdrivers, cutters, rule, adjustable spanners etc. Seatbelts (32784), and (32791) These two sets of seatbelts give more choice to the modeller, they can either buy the all etched brass set, which is pre-painted and go through the process of annealing to make them more flexible to sit in the seat pan correctly, or go for the fabric ones which should sit more naturally. Both sets come with a full selection of buckles and clasps and whilst whilst quite fiddly to assemble they will really help make the cockpit stand out from the crowd. Brassin Wheel Set (632 018) In addition to the etched sets Eduard, in their Brassin range have also released this set of replacement resin wheels. The inner and outer hubs, plus the tyres are all separate, making painting so much easier. Detail is also enhanced with the tread looking very nice and the brake details more representative. Once removed from the moulding blocks it shouldn’t take to much cleaning up before they are ready for use. Conclusion This is another great selection of sets from Eduard, who seem to be churning them out like it was going out of fashion, yet keeping the standard high. The tool box set is my favourite and I hope they produce more diorama sets in the future. The rest of the sets will go towards making the finished model look top notch, particularly when the Brassin wheels are used as well. Review sample courtesy of

Chance Vought F4-U detail Sets Eduard 1:32 The Tamiya 1:32 Corsair in a beautiful model straight out of the box with perhaps the only real area that needing attention being the magnetos on the crank case. Eduard obviously feels differently as they have released a raft of update sets for it, seven in fact if you include the zoom set. Each set are in the usual poly sleeve packaging with a card insert to prevent damage, and the instructions still leave a lot to be desired. Typically some of the kit details need to be removed before the brass parts can be added. Interior Set (32781) Contained on two sheets of relief etched brass, the larger one is unpainted whereas the smaller one is not only pre-painted but self adhesive as well. The unpainted sheet contains items such as the rudder pedal heel and toe plates, rudder cable attachments, side console inside faces, document pockets and additional fittings not included in the kit. On the engine bulkhead there is a pair of new cable runs and pipes, whilst the foot rests/”floor” troughs are fitted with more detailed bulkhead fittings complete with lightening holes. There are a large number of instrument boxes fitted around the cockpit, on the side consoles, coaming and side walls onto which the pre-painted faces are attached. The instrument panels are also pre-painted complete with the instrument faces on the backplate. A little dab of aqua clear will give them the appearance of glass fronts. The fire extinguisher and oxygen bottles receive new straps and supports and the canopy is fitted with new frames fore and aft and latching handle. Interior Zoom Set (33126) This zoom set contains only the above pre-painted sheet and allows the modeller to build a well detailed cockpit without the hassle of getting bogged down with detail that might otherwise be deemed superfluous. Engine Set (32343) To really enhance the details on the kits engine this set provides a wealth of additional and finer parts for the job. Quite a few areas need to be cut away before the etched parts can be added, particularly around the cowling mounting bulkhead between the cylinder banks. Holes need to be drilled into the cylinder banks ready to accept the new wiring harness which is pretty complex and care will be needed as whilst the instruction diagram is better than usual, it could have been clearer. The exhaust manifold receives new flanges and jubilee style clips. Another complex area of the build is the fitting of the individual cowl flaps and cowl flap ring. Each cowl flap is fitted with a three piece etched actuator which will need a very steady hand to assemble and fit. The front cowl mounting ring is also provided as are the interior rib detail for each of the opening cowling panels. Exterior (32344) This single sheet set contains some very nice additional detail for the exterior and open areas of the kit. There are quite a few parts dedicated to the interior of the tailwheel bay, especially on the mounting bulkhead which has new mounting fixtures and fittings for the tail oleo, whilst the foreward bulkhead is fitted with new fittings which include the rudder cable arm and mounting bracket. The tailwheel bay doors are fitted with new hinges panels and attachment links. The main wheel bays also get a dose of additional detail with the fitting of new panels around the bay walls and roof along with additional cabling and pipe work. If you’re building the model with wings folded then you have the option of adding new end plates to the flaps and ailerons along with replacement brackets and web pieces. The wing fold areas have a host of new hoses and pipework fitted which will really make the areas look not only more accurate but busy. Placards (32795) This small single sheet set contains much of what is already on the interior sets pre-painted sheet and naturally the zoom set, which is rather annoying to be honest. There are a few parts different that the modeller could use in the cockpit, but not nearly enough to make this set worth being separate to the interior sets. Seatbelts (32784), and (32791) The first of these two sets is made completely from etched brass, pre-painted for the most part, but with unpainted clasps, buckles etc. The second has the etched seatbelts replaced with fabric ones, which really do look nice and may sit better on the seat. Either will look good even though they look quite fiddly to assemble. Conclusion Eduard do produce a very nice selection of sets here, although I do feel that they are taking the mickey a little with the placard set in that is does really add anything that are already included in the interior/zoom sets. The seat belt question also needs to be asked, why isn’t the brass set at least included in the interior set? That said they do what they do very well and the selection does give the modeller a choice on how far they want to go with detailing. So I can still recommend them, but be aware of what’s included. Review sample courtesy of

Hello, has anyone used this set? Would you recommend it? I'm tempted by it, but the price tag is putting me off. thanks, Andrew

Seahawk Mk.100/101 Updates 1:48 Eduard The Trumpeter kit has been available for some time now in the FGA.6 and latter the Mk.100/101 export version. They are fairly simple kits with much to commend them, but if you want to improve on the basics that are included, these sets could well be right up your street. Seahawk Mk.100/101 (49608) This set is targeted at the airframe in general, rather than internal or external details only, as there's not much other than the cockpit and wheel bays that needs addressing. It arrives in Eduard's usual flat package, and includes two frets of Photo-Etch (PE), one pre-painted and self-adhesive measuring 7.2cm x 5.4cm and the other of bare brass, measuring 7.2cm x 10cm. A small sheet of acetate is supplied with shapes printed on it for the HUD glazing. The cockpit received upgrades to the ejection seat, the instrument panel with a two layer pre-painted part, the side consoles are replaced on the starboard side, whilst the individual parts are removed and replaced on the port. The side-walls are covered with ribbing detail as well as additional instrumentation, and the cockpit tub gets scuff plates on the floor and a new set of rudder pedals. In the main gear bays, lots of additional structural detail is added, and the nose gear bay is given a set of skins to cure the blank look to that area. The gear legs are given new inner skins to their doors, main leg oleo-scissors, with fine brake lines on the inner side. On the outer airframe, the wing-folds are improved with added detail, the rockets are given retaining straps and a det-cord, while the exhaust wash plates are skinned with highly detailed parts on both sides. Finally, the arrestor hook is cut roughly a third of the way back, and the missing tubular form is replicated by a length of 1mm rod that you will need to source from your stock. This is then covered by a curved aerodynamic panel for extra realism, and the roof of the bay receives a short skin with a receiver for the hook. Seahawk Mk.100/101 Landing Flaps (48757) This is a larger single fret in bare brass that measures 14.5cm x 7cm. It includes all the parts you'll need to replace the over-scale kit flap parts, and give you an insert for the additional section on the underside inboard of the main flaps, should you decide to put both the upper and lower flaps in the deployed position. Each flap is made either one piece that is folded twice to create the outer skin and inverted T-shaped ribs, or as on the upper portion, the flap skin and head of the T are in one piece, with separate wedge-shaped ribs that are twisted on their carrier rod and installed on the folded skin. The very tip of the rear corner of the landing gear bay will need to be removed, as will the trailing edge of the inner wing-fold rib to give a more realistic appearance, and the clumsy kit hinge points will need to be removed and replaced by more scale parts from the etch set. For the two deployment types there are a pair of different braces that hold the two flaps in either fully opened position, or alternatively just the lower flap deployed for landing on-deck. Review sample courtesy of

Has anybody tried using the Eduard PE sheet, intended for the Hasegawa Harrier GR.9, on the Airfix kit of the GR.7/9? If so, does it fit without too much problem? Or is the Pavla resin cockpit a better option?