Eduard 1/35
M2 Half Track Engine 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.

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 almost read the time on the aircraft clock. How could they top that?

Well in this set, they've used the relief-etching process to great advantage. In this set, we have a rather straightforward detail set for DML's 1/35 M2 Halftrack or M2A1 Half Track kits. For those who've peeked in the box, you've seen that the kit replicates a not-bad engine compartment with photo-etched armored shutters for the radiator.

This set replaces the kit hood (styrene) with a more-scale-thickness metal hood that can be posed open or closed, but if open, it folds realistically up and over the top.

The set also provides a detailed radiator face and improved armored shutters for the front end of the vehicle. The engine cooling fan gets new facades to provide more accurate visual detail.

The White engine receives an ignition harness, mounting brackets for the generator, and even parts to replicate the distributor. Even the oil-bath air cleaner receives a treatment of mounting brackets and clamps.

The instructions clearly show you how and where everything goes together. Plan on taking your time and plan on taking some time to get all of this together as this is not a project for an evening or a weekend (unless you're really experienced and have the right tools).

When you're done however, your halftrack will look great under that hood, and you can display that hood open realistically. This set is definitely recommended for the experienced modeler!

My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!