Metallic Details 1/48 S-3A/B Viking Engines Set First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | July 2019 | Manufacturer | Metallic Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | S-3A/B Viking Engines Set | Scale | 1/48 |
| Kit Number | 4831 | Media | Resin, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Nice update for AMT/ESCI/ERTL/Italeri kits | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $45.95 w/free shipping |
First Look
Metallic Details is an aftermarket detail company from the Ukraine that produces some really impressive updates for current as well as older kits. This release provides two complete TF34 engine replacements, including the pylons, for the 1/48 S-3 Viking series produced by AMT/ERTL/ESCI and now periodically reissued by Italeri. There were always complaints that the engine pods just weren't quite right in the kits and we've seen a few simple fixes offered over the years. This set is a resin and photo-etch replacement for both engine assemblies and include the front cowling (split into front and rear halves), the engine core cowling with turbine faces, and exhaust cones. On the inside of the front cowlings, there is the compressor mount, photo-etched stators, two discs of fan blades, and the compressor hub/spinner. Both engines assemble together into integral units that mount to the supplied pylons and fit into place under the kit's wings.
As with most resin detail sets, there is a bit of cleanup required, but you can see that some of the cowling parts are provided without casting blocks and the fit is quite nice. The instructions show how to assemble the engines including the twisting of the compressor blades. This set will work with any of the AMT/ERTL/ESCI/Italeri boxings of the S-3A, S-3B, US-3A, and ES-3A kits.
You can order this set on HobbyZone USA's website.
My sincere thanks to HobbyZone USA for this review sample!