Eduard 1/32
P-39D Airacobra Exterior Detail Set

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 Special 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 consists of one fret of photo-etch details, but don' t let this fool you, these are the 'left over' details not covered in one of the other three details sets Eduard has released for this kit.

The set does something I haven't seen them do before - provide the rear spar caps for the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, right down to the lightening holes. Very cool, because if you deflect the control surfaces into a 'natural' pose, you'll see the structures in the gap between the tail and control surfaces.

Next, the set provides tackles the exhaust flaps and internal duct decals for the ventral radiators. Again, there are some really nice details provided here. The set also provides the eyebrow scoops for the dorsal cowl machine guns.

The detail set is rounded out with a filler cap for the centerline external tank and a set of photo-etched box fins for the bomb.

This set will really set off the Special Hobby Airacobra kit though this detail set is not for the beginning modeler (but then again, neither is the Special Hobby kit). 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!

Recommended for experienced modelers!

My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!