Eduard Bell P-39Q/N detail Sets. For Kittyhawk 1:32

[Shar2]

Bell P-39Q/N detail Sets
Eduard 1:32

The Kittyhawk P-39/N, reviewed HERE is a great kit in its own right, but there is always room for improvement, and Eduard always seems to find that room. They have now released no less than seven individual sets to adorn the kit with extra and improved detail. As with most sets of this type some of the kit details will need to be removed before the etch can be added.

Interior Set (32853)
Contained on two sheets of relief etched brass, on half the size again as the other, one is unpainted whilst one comes pre-painted. The unpainted sheet contains items such as the a complete replacement seat, with additional side plate detail, new door cards and fittings, new box fittings, new and replacement fittings for the cockpit floor, foot pedals and additional fittings not included in the kit. The two upper cowling mounted machine guns also benefit from this sheet with the inclusion of the breech area sides, top and bottom.

The pre-painted sheet provides the modeller with a variety of coloured knobs and levers, new auxiliary instrument panels, plus replacement dials for the side panels. The main 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.

External Set (32381)
This single sheet set contains a lot of the smaller and more unusual details, some of which are not found on the kit. These include new rudder post and elevator internal strips, fastener strips for around the engine bay opening, engine bay details, gun bay panels, fastener strips, machine gun details and for the under wing ammunition bay there is a replacement ammunition box cover, again new fastener rails, and replacement panel. The radiator and oil cooler exhaust ducts are provided with new surrounds, details and replacement doors. The doors will need some very careful bending to shape, but at least the side panels are provided to help with getting the shape right. Each of the engine bay panels are also replaced with etched parts allowing them to be posed removed

Seatbelts (32852)
This small fret of brass comes pre-painted for the most part, but with unpainted clasps, buckles etc. Whilst fiddly to make, it will give the cockpit a real boost as there aren’t even moulded belts on the kit seat, so if you buy only one set this should be it.

Fabric Seatbelts (32854)
As an alternative to the above etched seatbelts Eduard have also released a set of laser cut fabric seatbelts. Included in the set is a small sheet of etched buckles and clasps, which as above look mightly fiddly, but well worth it as I think the fabric belts, once crumpled a bit look more realistic in the cockpit.

Landing Gear Set (32382)
Another single sheet set, this one contains, naturally, new and replacement parts for each of the three undercarriage bays. The nose wheel bay is fitted with a new rear bulkhead roof straps, electrical boxes and panels. The main wheel bays a fitted out with new roof and side linings, new braces and inspections panels. The bay doors are also fitted with new internal panels, whilst the oleos receive replacement scissor links and the wheels new hub details.

Flap Set (32383)
This two sheet sets is to be used to completely replace the kits flaps and add further detail into the flap bays. You will need to carry out a fair bit of surgery in the kits flap bay area to remove all the detail and thin the skin down. The bays include the roof and forward bulkheads, all the ribs, and flanges as well as the multiple flap tracks. The flaps themselves are also detailed with ribs which need to be carefully folded into position, along with the out skin panel. The end plates are then attached and the flaps fitted into position.

Masks (JX186)
Naturally a set of detail updates wouldn’t be complete without Eduard adding some masks. Made of Kibuki style tape they are easy to use and can help make painting less of a chore.

Conclusion
This is certainly a comprehensive array of detail sets for what is already a well detailed kit. With plenty of care and patience they will make a great kit into a masterpiece and possibly a show winner if all are used. The advantage of have separate sets is that the modeller can pick and choose how much, or how little detail they wish to add. Of course the more you add the more expensive it gets and this is becoming more noticeable with Eduards products lately. If you like your etch then I can happily recommend the above, but they really aren’t for the novice, particularly the flap set.

Review sample courtesy of