kit number 48271

Reviewed By Charles Landrum, #26328

Review copy provided by Eduard Model Accessories

Mírová 170, 43521 Obrnice, Czech Republic

Tel: +420 476118668; +420 476118259

Fax: +420 476118171

Orders: department@eduard.cz

Info:    info@eduard.cz.

Web Site: www.eduard.cz

One of the “old” names in model accessories is Eduard. They have been offering photo-etched details for aircraft models for 15 years, and boy have they come a long way. I dug out their 1/48 SU-25K fret which was the company’s first offering.  It is small and simply etched. This set is light-years ahead of their first offering and sets new standards in detail and quality.

This is a large set. In the package are three frets of etched metal and the ubiquitous photo film for the instrument panel and HUD. What sets this set apart from the other sets I have seen is that the Zoom fret forms the base level of detail, with the two other frets filling in additional detail. Also the Zoom fret is pre-painted with colors displays for the instrument panel. I still don’t know Eduard does it, but the color detail is amazing!

Other details provided include:

• Replacement deflection vanes for inside the variable lift nozzles
• The heat deflectors behind the nozzles
• The det chord for the canopy
• Replacement landing gear doors
• Ventral strakes
• Blast doors
• And many more details

As with all Eduard PE sets, parts easily separate from the sprue. You will need a clear work area with good lighting because this set has many of those small details that love to jump off your tweezers.

Besides the superb double relief etched detail, the other hallmark of Eduard is their clear instruction sheets. Eduard certainly provides the best. I am never in doubt as to where the parts belong, or what action is required. There are three full sheets (A4 paper) printed on both side of instructions. The illustrations are well drawn, clear, and in multiple colors, plus the instructions uses the universal action symbols.

I have to say that I remain a big fan of Eduard, both in the quality of their workmanship and the engineering of their parts. While I like the detail of a well-made resin cockpit, there is still a lot of satisfaction in building up the same details with PE parts. While other companies offer quality PE sets, Eduard is still the “brass” standard. I just wish the dollar wasn’t so weak in Europe! I highly recommend this set for adding that extra level of detail to your Hasegawa 1/48 AV-8B plus.

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