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Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Update Sets (For Revell) 1:48 Eduard For the longest time the only choice for a quarter-scale Blackbird was the ancient Testors kit, which graced the boxes of various manufacturers over the years. It was flimsy, had raised details and was hard to build well, and harder to keep in one piece once done, due to the multi-part fuselage. Recently, Revell have brought their own kit to the party, with a completely new tooling, robust construction, and much more engraved and raised detail. Eduard's new range of sets are here to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner, and for a kit of this size, they’ll be brought out in stages. 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. Undercarriage (481081) This large bare brass set contains some important upgrades to the landing gear bays, which while they have the basics moulded into the kit, aren’t fully decked-out for the detail hungry modeller. Work starts with the nose gear bays, detailing the two prominent cylinders with filler caps and a thick section around the middle of the tanks, while the opposite end of the bay is dressed with detailed skins on all sides. The gear leg is relieved of its moulded-in oleo-scissors and the actuator for the aft bay door ramp, which are then replaced by more detailed PE parts that will improve the look greatly. The other long bay door is replaced with a new PE assembly, adding thickness to the part with a lamination that holds inside it a set of louvres that you make up within a shallow frame, using the grooves etched into the sides as a guide, and the scrap diagrams showing you the correct orientation. The rear gear bay inner doors are built in a similar manner, although this time with three layers to depict the thinner section in the centre, and this then has a piano-like hinge added to its top edge and a number of pivot points for the kit actuator rams that are reused. The outer main bay door is retained but has the outer lip removed, after which it is sandwiched between two layers of PE, with a few small appliqué plates installed on the outer face. The kit part’s hinges are also retained to make installation easier. Engine Exhausts (481082) This large fret of brass replaces the moulded-in detail on the two large exhausts at the rear of the Blackbird. This detail is first removed by sanding or scraping inside and out, after which the two sides are skinned with individual segments of PE with details etched-in, lining them up as per the diagrams. The section further forward from the petals is also treated to an upgrade, but this time with no removal of detail needed. The two parts are first mated as per the kit instructions, then have the twelve skin sections glued to the surface within, all of which is duplicated on the other engine. Grilles (481083) This set is slightly smaller than the preceding two, and is filled entirely with replacement grilles that are found all over the upper and lower surfaces of the Blackbird’s semi-blended engine nacelles. The original moulded-in grilles should be filled with your preferred brand, then the new PE parts can be formed to fit the contours of the kit, and glued in place around the edges to give your SR-71 a more realistic and three-dimensional look. Annealing the parts before bending them will let them conform to the surface much more easily, and if you’re not sure what that involves, it’s softening the brass by heating the parts up with a flame until the brass discolours, then letting it air-cool rather than quenching it in cold water. Review sample courtesy of

Hi Pals, Here I present you to the ISU-152 revisited and finished (I hope at all ... lol). For those who have not followed the WIP, and are interested, the upgrade consisted of a Metal Tracks, a metal cannon, a couple of tow copper cables and some used cartridges. Also, I had to fix the train a little to adapt the tracks, and to go over some weathering, especially the snow, pus in the process was lost a lot. IMHO I think it was worth it and it was better, something closer to reality. Here is link to the WIP, and another to the old RFI, to see differences... Thank you very much for watch and comment, and for the interest shown. An old rear view ...

Hi all, I have been able to see with the passage of time, some examples of ISU-152 kits in the forum, with metal tracks, and I must admit without hesitation, specifically in this particular model, are an added "almost obliged ". Even more, when the quality of the track that the kit brings (Zvezda), is quite" crude ". Modestly, I think the kit I completed, seems to have been very well received (kindly) by many forum members. This has made me reconsider the idea of upgrading the kit with some extras ... The main and more than obvious and necessary, are the "dreaded" by expensive metal tracks, and then, at the heart of the question, a metal cannon, a few drag cables and a few ammo cartridges ... that do not suppose an overpayment, but sure to be a good addition. I have been able to find these tracks, at a "reasonable" price (remember that the kit is worth less than the tracks ... grrrr), but by saving the shipping costs, I think it's worth it, and always, if you do not like it was, you already have them ready for another better kit in the future ...looks good, isn`t? My first metal tracks , a lot of work to do.... Thx for watch and comments as always, cheers mates. Here the link to new RIP http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/forum/278-ready-for-inspection-armour/&do=add

Hello! I'm working on a full detail set for the Hobbycraft kit that I own ... will be making copies that will be for sale eventually ;-) Right now, wrapping up the cockpit then working my way to the gun bay and landing gear. Haven't decided if I will do the engine set. If there is enough demand, I will make the commitment. More photos are available on my site, the Model Cave http://modelcave.thescalereview.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=386&p=1460#p1460