Eduard B-24 Photo-Etch Update Sets (for Hobby Boss) 1:32

[Mike]

B-24 Photo-Etch Update Sets (for Hobby Boss)

1:32 Eduard

 

 

If you didn't see the release of the massive 1:32 Consolidated B-24J Liberator from Hobby Boss earlier this year, where were you?  We reviewed it here, and we'll wait for you while you go and have a look.  Eduard's new range of sets are now here to improve on the kit detail in the usual modular manner.  Get what you want for the areas you want to be more of a focal point.  As usual with Eduard's larger Photo-Etch (PE) sets, they arrive in a flat resealable ziplok package, with a white backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between.

 

 

Bomb Bay (32440)

This is a big kit, so get used to the fact that the frets are big too.  This set comes on one large fret dedicated to structure that is missed out from the kit, and will probably be used in conjunction with the bomb bay racks below.  Each end of the bay is heavily modified with new skins to the bulkheads, additional stiffening beams along the floor, plus a host of other small parts, pulleys, even some equipment boxes.

 

 

 

Bomb Racks (32441)

This set contains a single large fret with additional details for the kit bombs, and of course the large ladder-shaped racks that hold those bombs ready for deployment.  These are highly detailed and will be a much better replacement to the simplified kit parts.

 

 

 

 

Undercarriage (32437)

The big bays of the Liberator are quite visible due to their size and the shoulder-mounted wing, so any detail is easily seen.  This set is based on two frets, and includes mirror-image parts to detail the bays with many skins to replace the chunkier moulded-in kit detail, plus the visible portions of the wing's structure itself.  Large ribs are added in addition to the kit ribs, which give the bays much more visual interest.  The gear legs don't escape, with small tie-down lugs added at the base of each leg, and an optional hub cap that fits over the detailed wheel hubs that were often worn in service by these chunky warriors.

 

 

 

 

Engines (32438)

The Liberator was powered by four P&W Twin Wasp engines, with the kit portraying them as back and front banks either side of a bulkhead to prevent a see-through cowling.  Detail is adequate for a brief glimpse, but a little more detail is provided in this set, especially at the rear of the nacelles where there are missing details, including a splitter panel and a boxed-in screen that protrudes at an angle from the hollow rear of each nacelle.  You'll need to remove the moulded-in version of this beforehand, but the resulting difference is substantial.  Small flaps on the sides of the plate allow easy attachment of the assembly to the nacelle halves.  Around the supercharger part there are some additional detail parts added around the recess, plus a protective flip-open cover for the exhausts and more wiring harnesses for the rear piston bank.

 

 

 

Big Ed Set (BIG33103)

The Bomb Bay, Bomb Racks and Undercarriage sets are also available in the Big Ed set with a discount that will assist anyone vacillating over whether to get all three or not.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

[spruecutter96]

The sets all sound great, but I'm thinking they will be some serious dollar. I LOVE a bit of aftermarket myself, but some of the brand new prices really make my eyes water.

 

Thanks for the review, Mike. 

 

Chris.