Eduard 1/35 Stryker Stowage Belts First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

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 provided an interesting detail set for either the Trumpeter or AFV Club 1/35 M1126 Stryker kits. This set replicates the rather interesting web of straps that are fitted to the upper hull to provide a safe tie-down area for personal gear and supplies that need to be secured to the outside of the vehicle. Unlike many tanks and arrmored fighting vehicles, the Stryker doesn't have much area set aside for stowage and many of the fixtures on the hull that one might be tempted to strap your gear to might have other uses that might be obstructed during a critical time. This arrangement of straps provides Stryker crews with a safer and out-of-the-way method of strapping stuff down.

One interesting note is that the design of the stowage belt set was intended to show the system without stuff strapped into place. The belts are all stowed themselves, so if you want to tie your gear down, you'll need to alter the system to hold your gear as well.

Each step is nicely laid out to show where the new parts go in the instructions and, when applicable, where a little surgery is required.

You should be able to find this placard set at your local hobby retailer or one of the many online hobby shops. Trust me, thisis worth looking for!

My sincere thanks to Eduard for this review sample!