Eduard B-17G Upgrades (for HK Models) 1:48

[Mike]

B-17G Upgrades (for HK Models)

1:48 Eduard

 

 

We haven’t had a new B-17 Flying Fortress in 1:48 for a long time now, which HK Models have just rectified with their new tool, taking advantage of the data they collected for their monster 1:32 kit from a few years back.  Eduard's new range of sets are 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 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.

 

 

Cockpit (491057)

Two frets are included, one nickel plated and pre-painted, the other in bare brass.  A complete set of new layered instrument panels and consoles are the primary parts on the painted set, with new rudder pedals; centre console and throttle quadrant; side wall details; overhead console and ceiling skin, and seat embellishments supplied.

 

 

 

 

Nose Interior (491061)

Another two-fret set, with one pre-painted and nickel-plated.  These parts include the woodgrain nav table, lots of instrument faces, structural details within the compartment, and a lot of sidewall details dotted around.  It also includes upgrades to the nose guns with fresh ammo boxes, ammo feed and breech details, with navigation tools to deposit on the aforementioned desk.

 

 

 

 

Radio Compartment (491058)

Another two-fret set, with one pre-painted and nickel-plated.  These parts include another lighter woodgrain table; a complete replacement for the many black boxes on the wall at the front and rear of the compartment; brackets, and a lot of sidewall details dotted around.  It also includes upgrades to the upward facing gun with fresh ammo boxes, ammo feed and breech details, plus more tools to deposit on the aforementioned lighter desk.

 

 

 

 

Waist Section (491062)

Another two-fret set, with one pre-painted and nickel-plated, which also includes the rear gunner’s position in case you hadn't noticed.  These parts include instrument faces for the small range of black boxes dotted around in the waist and rear gunner section; structural details within the compartment; O₂ panel and headsets for the three gunners. It also includes upgrades to the waist and rear guns with fresh ammo boxes; ammo feed and breech details; ring and bead sights on the barrels, and dump bags under the windows of the side gunners.

 

 

 

 

Seatbelts STEEL (FE1058)

In case you don't already know, these belts are Photo-Etch (PE) steel, and because of their strength they can be etched from thinner material, which improves realism and flexibility in one sitting.  Coupled with the new painting method that adds perceived extra depth to the buckles and other furniture by shading, they are more realistic looking and will drape better than regular brass PE.  As well as the two sets of four-point flight crew belts, you also get a set of four-point harnesses for another crew member, and three sets of lap belts for the others.

 

 

 

 

Masks (EX678)

Supplied on two sheets of yellow kabuki tape, these pre-cut masks supply you with a full set of masks for the canopy, with compound curved handled by using frame hugging masks, while the highly curved gaps are in-filled with either liquid mask or offcuts from the background tape.  In addition you get a full set of glazing masks for the rest of the airframe and hub/tyre masks for all the wheels, allowing you to cut the demarcation perfectly with little effort.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

A great range of sets for your lovely new HK Models B-17.  Pick and choose what you fancy, and watch out for the other sets that are available for the exterior, bomb bay and so forth.

 

Recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

 

 

 

[tomprobert]

The detail on the pre-painted parts looks lovely, but why to Eduard still insist on painting B-17 cockpit interior parts US Interior Green? 

 

Great review, as always, Mike - thanks for sharing.

 

Tom