Eduard have released a Brassin set of WGr.21 Werfer-Granate 21 rocket launchers for Tamiya’s recent 1:48 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6.

The parts arrive in a clear “bubble” pack, with plenty of foam to protect them in transit. The set comprises:

16 x grey resin parts
22 x etched brass parts

The casting is flawless in the sample set, with pin-sharp detail and no flash. You’ll need to exercise the usual care in removing the parts from their casting plinths, but clean-up should be minimal after that.

The set provides a pair of launch tubes, detailed on the inside with the tracks that imparted the spin to stabilise the projectile as it was fired. To represent the loaded rounds, Eduard provide resin nose cones to insert at the front and etched disks at the rear.

Also included in the set are two fully moulded rounds which won't fit in the launchers, but can be displayed separately.

To mount the launch tubes correctly, Eduard have designed photo-etched templates and a jig. The templates are “handed” to fit each wing and pinpoint the positions to drill holes for the sway-braces for the launch tubes, plus the hooks on which they hang from the wings.

The 2-part jig must be folded to shape and provides a cradle for each launch tube to sit in while you attach the struts at the correct angles.

The last step is to attach an etched firing cable, but you could always replace this with soft wire.

The set is accompanied by detailed instructions, which break the work down into 9 clear stages and includes simple painting instructions with matches for Gunze Sangyo paints.

Although Eduard’s WGr.21 mortars aren’t overly complex, they do include some very small etched parts and, thankfully, the designers have thoughtfully included spares for the minute hooks and rings. In fact, without being able to adjust the sway braces like on the real thing, those hooks and rings look to me to be the biggest hurdle in the construction, so you might need to experiment to find the best way to marry everything up.

Conclusion

Eduard’s WGr.21 mortars are good value for money and beautifully detailed. While they look deceptively straightforward, the set certainly isn't suitable for inexperienced modellers - and, to be brutally honest, isn’t recommended for anybody who’s either impatient or at all heavy-handed either. The finished result should look superb, however, and the inclusion of the extra rounds makes it ideal if you want to build a vignette of a loading scene.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE