LionRoar 1/35
USMC LAV-25 Detail Set

LionRoar, short for Shanghai Lion Roar Art Model Company, is producing an interesting line of inexpensive photo-etched detail sets for a wide range of popular model kits. This set addresses one of Trumpeter's big hits - the LAV-25 Piranha.

This set comes with four frets of photo-etched brass and two 120mm lengths of brass wire. One of the first things this set provides is a new rear turret basket. The wire is used to create the three-bar frame with photo-etch to finish the frame. Next, photo-etched grilles line the bottom and rear of the basket. Not bad for a start!

The set provides a wealth of little details for the turret and hull, including stowage brackets, tie-down straps w/buckles, hatch handles, and pioneering tool brackets.

One nice addition is a photo-etch flash suppressing muzzle for the barrel to replace the solid styrene muzzle. Photo-etched grilles are also provided for the two engine deck vents.

Retractable cable cutters, exhaust pipe heat shields, and new muffler mounts round out this interesting set.

While the number of parts might be intimidating to some modelers, the set is very straightforward and with the right tools and adhesives, will install easily on your Trumpeter kit with the help of these well-illustrated diagrams.

I'm looking forward to taking a look at more of the detail sets from this interesting company! This detail set is definitely recommended!

My sincere thanks to HobbyLink Japan for this review sample.