Eduard

1/35 M-3 Halftrack Detail Sets For the Dragon kit

Stock Number: 36083, 36088

Reviewed By  Tom Moon, IPMS# 43192

Website: www.eduard.cz Eduard 36083: M-3 Detail Set MSRP: $29.95 Direct link to product. Eduard 36088: M-3 Halftrack Engine Detail Set MSRP: $22.95 Direct link to product. The instructions included in these packages are a black and white print with each page reduced to fit two to a side. This presented me with problem. My old eyes require help to see text this small, but the lack of color makes the deciphering of the instructions difficult. I went on line to the Eduard website and called up the instructions in their PDF format. I then printed them page by page in color. This solved the problem for me, but I have access to a color printer. 36088- M-3 Engine Detail Set This set consists of a single fret of photo-etch.

The first page of instructions starts with the removal of the hood panels to be replaced with PE later. It almost requires you to use these panels if you buy the set, because all the other pieces would not be visible if you did not show the engine compartment open. So, the first step is to cut away the plastic panels and set the remaining piece aside for later work. This section also replaces the fan blades and the radiator screen. The second page of instructions outlines the addition of detail bits to the kit parts to give the model better definition. There are also some items added to the frame on the engine compartment side. When cutting away the plastic from kit part B9 (cabin area just in front of the driver) be very careful. You need to dry fit the Eduard part 28 so that the side panel B11 fits properly as the hood and windshield attach to part B11 and if the Eduard part 28 is too far out the panel won't sit properly and the hood and windshield won't fit properly. The third page of instructions demonstrates the building of the hood panels. These can be displayed either open or closed. If you chose the closed position then you can't see the engine and a lot of the parts from this PE set would be wasted. In my build I have one side open and one side closed. The balance of this page is adding all the extras to the compartment.

Most of what goes onto the engine can be done at one time and then painted. But, there are some parts that can't be added until the engine is mounted and the cabin part B9 is glued to the frame. This requires some forethought to get everything in place and painted before you add the hood panels. Go through your instructions and map out a plan to add what PE part and when. 36083- M-3 Detail Set This set consists of two frets of photo-etch and a clear plastic film.

The first page of instructions starts with cabin floor. It replaces the blobs called the foot petals with something that actually looks like a brake pedal. The floor is overlaid with texture plates. I used the two in the foot wells on both sides; however, the addition of part 30 did not look better than what the kit provided, so I left it off. The instrument panel is modified to accept the new PE front that has an actual glove compartment. The glove compartment door must be placed either open or closed as the hinges are not workable. I used the printed film to add the instrument dials. After sandwiching the print between the modified kit part and the PE 85 instrument panel, I used Future to simulate a glass cover. During painting I masked the dials off. The instructions call for part 67 to replace kit part B18 (a hand lever of some sort). The PE replacement was overly 2-dimensional so I just modified the kit part and added the PE part 20. When you add the fire extinguisher bracket to the cabin wall make sure the top of the fire extinguisher will clear the bottom of the instrument panel. Mine didn't and by that time the super glue has decided that it would never let go.

The second page of instructions adds details to the outer part of the cab. Some of the parts are duplicated in the engine set (36088) The third page of instructions replaces the sliding panels in either the open or closed position. There are additional items added on the fenders. The pioneer tools are modified to accept the PE tool holders. The only problem I had here was the very delicate nature of the pieces to replace the kit Part B6 & B7 headlight guards. I mangled the parts so badly that I had to retreat to the kit part with the kit PE insert. The fourth page of instructions replaces the plastic armored grill with PE slats that are more in scale. These are designed so that you can display them at any position from closed to fully open. This section moves on to the rear compartment and adds textured flooring along with replacing the rifle holders with PE. I did a great job on the parts 88, the rounded parts that fit on the floor and the rifle butt sits in. However, I was defeated again by the upper part and it's multiple pieces in multiple bends. I installed the kit parts instead. The set also includes straps for the rifles, a nice touch.

Just as a side note here; paint the area between the back of the seats and the inside of the outer wall before assembling the two pieces together. It is almost impossible to paint that interior area after assembly. The rest of the page consists of adding the flooring into the cargo area. This makes quite a difference in the overall appearance. The fifth page of instructions deals with the replacement of small tie down handles with better looking and actually functional PE tie-downs and the mud flaps. This section also updates the 30 cal machine gun. I'm making the M3 and it only has one 30 cal machine gun. I used all the PE parts except the barrel cooling sleeve. I have never been successful in rolling this flat piece into a tube and not have a terrible seam to deal with. So I replaced the entire barrel with a metal replacement from LionMarc.

The sixth page of instructions shows the replacement parts for the 50 cal machine gun. This is an optional step depending on which MG you want to display. Summary These two sets do improve the overall appearance of the kit and are recommended. Set 36088 adds extensive detail that is missing on the engine and the engine compartment. Set 36083 adds extensive detail that is missing in the drivers and working compartments. The optional MG detail gives you the choice of which MG you want to display. However, be prepared to be challenged by some of the PE parts. These two sets cover a range of model building experience and ability for the modeler. There are some very simple replacements and updates and there are some very difficult pieces that will test your skills and patience. My thanks Eduard for the review sets.