Eduard 1:72 Photo Etch Set for Hasegawa EA-18G

[woody37]

Photo Etch Detail Set for Hasegawa EA-18G

Eduard 1:72

Hasegawa's EA-18G is a great model, and a must if you're into the US Navy or modern warfare in 1/72 scale. Whilst it's a great model, it does have some areas that have needed improvement when comparing to the detail included in many new kits by other manufacturers, particularly the cockpit. Then there's the parts that just can't be replicated accurately in this scale using injection moulding. Fortunately, Eduard have filled this gap very nicely.

EA-18G Self Adhesive Set 73415

The set contains two frets, the first being the now traditional Self Adhesive fret holding the multitude of cockpit panels and details, the second unpainted one containing more cockpit detailing plus many external enhancements. With this set, your cockpit is going to get a complete makeover. Pre-painted grey SA parts are provided for both cockpit walls as are the switch panels along the sides. The forwards instrument panels are catered for using built up layers to give the 3D effect around the screens and are again painted, so no need to get the 000000 brush out here ! The kit seats are pretty basic, and rather than buying aftermarket seats, the kit parts are comprehensively improved with various details such as the head rests with pre painted placards, side frames, seat cushions, belts and of course, ejector handles. Care will need to be taken as there is some minor detail to be remove from the seats before fitting the etch, so a sharp knife is recommended. The rear bulkheads and combings also get a healthy treatment with various parts and a finely produced HUD frame. Finally, in the cockpit environment, the canopy gets a work over too with all the framework reproduced in the way that only etch can achieve.

Moving down to the rear of the aircraft, the afterburner cans get some nice attention. The ribbed interior is reproduced, however these flat parts will need bending round something of a suitable diameter to achieve this. The rear compressor frame is also supplied to fit over the kit fan blades.

The landing gear on the EA-18 is quite a complex design and Hasegawa have done what they could with the capabilities of injection moulding. As such, some of the kit detail needs to be removed and replaced with the etch parts such as the oleo links. A comprehensive set of additional parts are included such as door actuators, u/c linkages and panels are included and the instructions show very clearly how to fit all these. Some final details are included such as wing strakes, antennas, wing strakes and missile clamps.

Conclusion

I reviewed the Hasegawa kit earlier this year and noticed several deficiencies that left opportunity for improvement, particularly in the cockpit. This set provides the solution very well. Having used a few of Eduard's sets this year, I've become a huge fan of them and look forwards to using this one when I build mine. As with most of the PE sets, care will need to be taken handling the small delicate parts, but the results will be very rewarding.

Review sample courtesy of