Eduard Xuntong DB-3F/IL-4T detail set. 1:48

[Shar2]

Xuntong DB-3F/IL-4T detail set

1:48 Eduard

The Xuntong DB-3F/IL-4T has been out for some time now but it’s good to see it hasn’t been completely forgotten by the aftermarket companies as Eduard have just released a nice set of etched parts and masks for it. The kit is full of very nice detail out of the box, but some of this detail can look quite chunky and would be better suited to the more scale thickness of the etched brass.

Detail Set (49700)
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 raft of replacement placards and auxiliary instrument boxes, panels, vents, levers and flying control cable wheels for both sides of the pilots and bomb aimer’s positions. The main instrument panel is made up of two 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. The pilots area also receives new or replacement parts for the throttle box, complete with throttle and mixer levers, rudder pedal plates and straps, trim wheels, control column frame, and engine instrument panels. The bomb aimers floor has two doors that can be posed open or closed that provide access to the aircraft from the external door beneath the nose. Both the pilots and bomb aimer’s seats receive a full set of harnesses. To the rear, the radio stack has new control faces provided whilst both the mid upper and ventral gun positions have replacement fixtures and fittings added, these include ammunition belts, handles, links, and brackets.

Externally the set provides new wiring harnesses for the engines, frames for the landing lights and wing intakes, new panels and bulkheads for inside the landing gear bays. The main undercarriage legs are fitted with new brake lines, whilst the wheels have new brakes attached. The upper turret receives new outer vanes and the nose mounted machine gun is fitted with a new ring sight.

Interior Zoom Set (FE700)
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.

Masks (EX442)
Since the kit has so many heavily framed windows around the nose, not to mention the cockpit windows, ventral gun position and upper turret most modellers will be glad of this mask set which makes the whole task of masking up a doddle

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Conclusion
This is another great set from Eduard, who seem to be churning them out like it was going out of fashion, yet managing to keep the standard high. The pre-painted parts for the cockpit and bomb aimers positions are particularly good and should be pretty visible even through the kits clear parts, although the ability to have the access doors and hatches open should help this. Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of