Italeri 1/48 A-10 Thunderbolt II Detail Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | September 2009 | Manufacturer | Italeri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | A-10 Thunderbolt II Detail Set | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 26001 | Primary Media | Resin/Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Allows the Italeri kit to be opened up with some nice details | Cons | Incorrect shoulder harness |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $55.00 |
First Look
Italeri has produced one of its first aircraft detail sets, this one targeted for their new-tool 1/48 A-10A Thunderbolt II kit released last year. This detail set is not unlike what you might get from Verlinden, Aires, or other aftermarket companies, though it does have one unique twist - color photo-etched parts from Eduard!
The set covers four distinct areas in the Italeri kit:
1. Cockpit - the photo-etched parts provide nicely rendered instrument panel and side consoles for the very visible cockpit. The parts also provide color lap belts and shoulder harnesses for the ejection seat. Note: Don't use the shoulder harnesses as-is. The ACES II ejection seat doesn't use shoulder harnesses that attach at the lap belt. They attach at the shoulders of the pilot's harness. You can shorten these up and add the distinctive shoulder fittings that dangle at the ends of the shoulder attach points. Look here to see what I mean. The photo-etch set also provides canopy bow and rear-view mirrors as well.
2. GAU-8 Avenger - the resin set provides a display dolly in resin and the various parts to mount the GAU-8 on that dolly. The gun includes the gun itself, ammo drum, belt feeds, and drive system parts. The dolly has wheels so it can be posed next you your A-10 to show off the size, but if you do, get one of the Tamiya 1/48 Volkswagen Beetles so you can show off the sheer size of the gun with the same car used in the early photo-ops of this distinctive weapon.
3. TF34 engine - the resin set also provides the compressor fan, intake duct, and engine core. This can be installed in one of the two engine pods with the access doors displayed open.
4. Slime lights - the photo-etch set also provides frames for the various formation (slime) lights around the airframe.
The detail set has some nice features in it that will enhance the stock kit. The Eduard 'Zoom' set included in here will really enhance the cockpit and I'm hoping they'll release another set with the cockpit changes and new antennas for the A-10C upgrade. In the meantime, the engine and GAU-8 provide some nice eye candy to display in or around your A-10. While the MSRP was a little on the high side when it was first released, I found this set on sale and I bet you'll be seeing more of these showing up on special. Keep your eyes open!