Eduard 1/32 P-47D-25 Thunderbolt Interior Detail Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | December 2008 | Manufacturer | Eduard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | P-47D-25 Thunderbolt Interior Detail Set | Scale | 1/32 |
| Kit Number | 32610 | Media | Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Beautiful transformation of the Trumpeter 1/32 P-47D cockpit | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $29.95 |
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.
When Eduard first introduced the acetate-printed instrument faces that go behind their photo-etched instrument panels, this raised the bar on model cockpit reality as you could almostread the time on the aircraft clock. How could they top that?
It took a number of years, but the answer is color photo-etch. Somehow Eduard has developed a process for printing color directly on their photo-etched parts such that now you not only can read the instrument faces, you can now see the color warning arcs around airspeed indicators and color reference circles around Luftwaffe flight and engine instruments.
Eduard didn't stop there. One of the challenges for less-experienced modelers attempting to use photo-etched details in confined spaces is trying to avoid having cyano adhesives from oozing out of the most inopportune places such as an instrument bezel or other visible location. Eduard has produced self-adhesive photo-etch to solve that problem. Simply remove the part from the fret, remove it from the backing paper, and then place the part in its location. According to Eduard, you can move the part to fine-tune its placement before pressing the part more firmly in place to set the adhesive.
This set provides nicely color-printed instrument panels, side consoles, and even the seatbelt and harness, all with fine details replicated in their print process that is next to impossible to do by hand.
In addition, a new seat with detailed etched on both sides is provided along with seat frame details, updated floor details, canopy turtledeck details, rearview mirrors, and even updates to the gunsight.
You should be able to find this detail set at your local hobby retailer or one of the many online hobby shops. Trust me, thisis worth looking for!
My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!