Eduard Lancaster B.Mk.I Detail Upgrades (for HK Models) 1:48

[Mike]

Lancaster B.Mk.I Detail Upgrades (for HK Models)

1:48 Eduard & Eduard Brassin

 

 

After their successful 1:32 Lancaster, HK Models have since brought out one for modellers of the 1:48 persuasion, leaving the old Tamiya kit a little bit further toward the back of the stash.  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.

 

 

Wheels (648656)

This wheel set contains the two main balloon tyres on separate resin casting blocks, while the grooved anti-shimmy tail wheel is found on another block.  Although the tyres of most WWII Lancs were treadless, there are a number of circumferential lines on the shoulder and sidewall, all of which is depicted here along with the manufacturer’s name and data stencils, all in raised lettering that is crisp and legible, providing you have the eyesight or magnification.

 

In addition, a set of kabuki tape masks (not pictured) have been cut to shape in order for you to cut the demarcation between tyre and hub with very little effort, and no wobbles due to a twitch of the paint brush.

 

 

 

 

Löök Set (644118)

This set contains a combination of pre-printed resin and PE parts to quickly and efficiently detail up your cockpit.  There are four resin parts that make up the large instrument panel and its pedestal with throttle box in front of the pilot, with glossy faced dials already painted for you on black resin.  Additionally, the PE set of four-point belts for the pilot, and another six sets of lap belts for the rest of the crew in their various positions and seat-types.

 

 

 

 

 

Undercarriage (481062)

This larger bare brass set contains some important upgrades to the landing gear bays, beginning with removing a small shackle off the gear legs to replace them with more accurate and detailed parts.  Inside the bays, the sidewalls are skinned with a riveted panel on each side, then the web-work that blocks the view of the inside of the wing is given an overhaul with stiffener plates all over the joins at the top and bottom, all of which are riveted for extra interest, as per the real thing.  In the roof of the bay, two curved stringers are made up and glued into the roof panel, joined by the front bulkhead that has the moulded-in detail in the top section removed to install the new more detailed skin and rib parts, with the moulded-in lateral rib adjusted slightly to accommodate the new stringers.  To either side of the stringers are a pair of formed ramps that help to cradle the landing gear when in the bay.  This of course is carried out twice to cover both bays.

 

 

 

 

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