Eduard 1/48
Bf 110 Workshop Ladder

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.

In this release, Eduard has produced a very common sense addition to their own beautiful series of Bf 110 kits, as well as those 1/48 Bf 110s produced by other manufacturers. Many modelers like to pose their completed models in some vignette or diorama. Sometimes the aircraft are 'cocked' and ready for flight, but many modelers like to have an excuse to 'open up' the model as if the aircraft was being serviced.

The only problem with that is that an aircraft the size of the Bf 110 posed a problem for maintenance troops to gain safe and stable access to engines and weapons compartments. Under austere conditions, the aircraft were worn out by these maintainers improvising ways to get up into the higher areas of the aircraft. Under less austere conditions, maintenance platforms and ladders were used.

Eduard has provided three different kits here. One is a simple four-step ladder, the second is a much taller folding ladder, and the third is a much more serious maintenance platform. Put all of these around your Bf 110 and there is nothing more to be said - the aircraft is undergoing maintenance. Simple, but elegant in its purpose.

While this set will really set off your favorite Bf 110 kit, this detail set is not for the beginning modeler. 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!