Eduard Brassin 1/48 AGM-45 Shrike First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | November 2014 | Manufacturer | Eduard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | AGM-45 Shrike | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 648165 | Media | Resin, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Four nicely detailed missiles | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $14.95 |
First Look
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.
Many AMS modelers will collect the relevant Eduard photo-etch sets for a given project, but they'll also go out and gather specific resin enhancements as well. Eduard has stepped up with a new product line to complement their photo-etched detail series - Brassin. Brassin is a play on words with Brass and Resin, and in many sets in this series, the resin details also include a set of color photo-etch as well.
In this release, Eduard has produced a set of four detailed AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missiles (ARMs). The AGM-45 was one of the first ARMs which was developed by the Navy by putting a radar seeker head on an AIM-7 Sparrow missile body. First used in Vietnam, the Navy adapted the A-4, A-6, A-7, and others to carry the missile for self-defense. The USAF adopted the missile for a dedicated 'bullet' for their F-105F and F-105G Wild Weasels as well as for self-protection on USAF fighter-bombers.
This set is molded in gray resin with photo-etched rocket motor rings and a set of stenciling on the included decal sheet. This is another useful set to keep around for your Vietnam-era combat projects. I just wish Eduard would start producing these Brassin weapons sets in 1/32 scale as well!
Recommended for experienced modelers!
My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!