IPMS/USA Detail Review: Eduard 1/48 F-105D/G Exterior Photo-etch for Hobby Boss kits

Eduard

1/48 F-105D/G Exterior Photo-etch
For the Hobby Boss kit

Stock Number: 48610

Reviewed By Michael Novosad, IPMS# 36721

MSRP: $29.95
Website: www.eduard.cz

Initial Comments

First, I am a big fan of the F-105 Thunderchief. I have built several of the old Monogram kits, raised panel lines and all. But when the Hobby Boss F-105D kit was released, I knew that I had to add this one to my collection. The opportunity to review several manufacturers’ aftermarket sets recently has been a rewarding experience for me. I have since ordered a few more sets on my own, and plan to build this model in the near future.

Several months ago, our local club held a photo-etch clinic for a group discussion on this topic. The first questions were "Who loves photo-etch? And who hates it?" Most every one raised their hands to both questions! So, the addition of PE details to any kit can be a love-hate relationship. After the clinic ended, it was concluded that, with the proper tools and adhesives, the inclusion of PE details to a kit can be quite rewarding.

The Replacement or Enhancement Parts

The set of PE parts and instructions are packaged in a sealed plastic bag, typical of other Eduard PE sets. A stiff cardstock backer is included to protect the PE frets from inadvertent bending and damage. There is a six-page set of instructions, printed on both sides, along with three frets of PE parts provided. Each fret is numbered such as "Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3", although I could find no such references in the instructions. Each part on each fret is numbered. A few of the PE parts are meant to replace the kit parts, such as the inboard landing gear doors for a more scale appearance

Above are the kit’s main and nose gear doors.

Here are the PE main gear inboard doors and the bay roof .

Above is the kit refueling probe bay. Note the ejector pin marks. Try to remove those babies!

Kit intakes (above).

Eduard's intake replacement parts: there are a few very small parts that require the removal of detail from the plastic parts for the installation of the PE parts. Surface detail is provided for gear wells, nose radar bay, nose gun bay, and the refueling probe bay. The kits surfaces are smooth, and with the installation of the PE parts the open bays will take on a more realistic appearance.

Several smaller parts are provided to further detail and enhance the surfaces of the model. Many of the larger PE parts have surface relief, which is really nice and adds interest to the model. The kit’s recess for the refueling probe has several ejector pin marks that, due to the narrowness of the recess, could not be easily removed or eliminated. The next best thing is to cover them with a nicely-detailed PE part.

One very fine part represents hydraulic lines for the nose gear. This is almost super -fine in my opinion. A fine nose radar piece is provided to replace the overly-thick kit part. There is also information on how to form the concave dish.

Conclusion

One of the nice features of this manufacturer’s web site is the ability to preview the various photo etch sets instructions. These instructions can be printed in an 8 ½" by 11" size, in color, which is larger than the instructions included with the set. I could only print the first four pages, but this was still useful to me.

The installation instructions must be followed carefully whether building an F-105D or G. Most parts are applicable for either version but, in a few instances, the details are added only to the F-105G. Many of the parts will add subtle detail to this wonderful kit of a legendary aircraft.

This set is nothing short of amazing and, although at the time of my review I had not installed the parts on my Hobby Boss kit, I know from past experience the work would be rewarding and the model would be greatly enhanced. This is a bargain for the amount of detail added to the Hobby Boss F-105D and comes highly recommended.

Thanks to Eduard for this excellent review sample.