Eduard 1/32 P-39D Airacobra Undercarriage Detail Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | December 2007 | Manufacturer | Eduard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | P-39D Airacobra Undercarriage Detail Set | Scale | 1/32 |
| Kit Number | 32178 | Media | Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Fine details to enhance the Special Hobby 1/32 kit | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $22.95 |
First Look
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Eduard from the Czech Republic is easily the most prolific producer of aftermarket details. Period. Their series of photo-etched detail sets have brought additional fidelity to otherwise bland subjects, and have taken even the best-produced models and kicked them up a notch or two with details that cannot be produced with injection-molded plastic.
This release dresses up the already beautiful Specal Hobby 1/32 P-39D Airacobra kit. While the kit is nice, there are limits to what one can do with detailing in styrene. This detail set allows the AMS modeler to tackle some of those areas with pre-fitted details.
This set is focused in the wheel wells and starts with the nosewheel well. This set provides various structural details and plumbing for this well. The nosegear strut is also addressed with fine details that are difficult or impossible to replicate in styrene using the limited-run injection molding proceeses used to make this kit.
Next, the set offers your choice of early or late main wheel hub patterns as well as details to replicate the disk brakes on the flipside of these wheels.
The main wheel wells get interior facades to provide the visual detailing visible inside these wells.
The nose and main gear doors are all replaced with photo-etch to accurize the details and appearance. Even the hinges are provided (though they thankfully do not 'operate'.
This set will really set off the Specal Hobby Airacobra kit though this detail set is not for the beginning modeler. You will need to be able to remove the photo-etch parts from their frets (simple once you know how) and then be able to apply these details using cyano adhesives without gluing yourself to the kit parts. It isn't difficult, or else these sets wouldn't be so popular.
You should be able to find this detail set at your local hobby retailer or one of the many online hobby shops. Trust me, this is worth looking for!
My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!