Alongside their 1:48 Brassin 165 gallon drop tanks (reviewed HERE, Eduard have released a second set, this time featuring 110 gallon tanks, again designed for their superb new-tool P-51D Mustang. Like the 165 gallon tanks, the 110 alternatives are suitable for the Iwo Jima based aircraft featured in the Royal Class Dual Combo boxing.

The set arrives in a neat flip-top packet that provides plenty of protection in transit. I prefer this style of packaging over the old type because the cardboard used is thicker, so there's no need for all the extra padding that Brassin sets used to include. Once opened, the packet also forms an ideal tray for the parts during construction.

The 110 gallon set comprises:
6 x grey resin parts
A fret of etched brass parts
A sheet of decals for servicing stencils

The casting is faultless in the sample set and the detail is eye-poppingly good. Sitting the new resin parts alongside the original kit tanks, the improvement is instantly visible, with everything just that bit crisper and better defined, with some extra details that it was impractical to try to mould in styrene.

The etched parts are actually optional replacements for the drains on the underside of each tank. The reason for them is clear as soon as you see where the details lie in relation to the casting attachments. Basically, you will have to be extremely careful when sanding the flow points smooth if you're not going to accidentally damage the drains. So, including the etched parts is a perfect solution, giving you the freedom to concentrate on smoothing the surface without worrying about losing the details.

The decals are very nicely printed, and supply a surprising number of stencils for such apparently simple items - five per tank, plus one on each swing stay.

Eduard provide a well illustrated sheet of instructions, with clear diagrams and info-views from extra angles. There's no surgery required to the kit to fit the new tanks, but you can add a fuel line to each of them from soft wire (not included) using the dimensions shown in the instructions.

Conclusion

Eduard's 110 gallon Brassin drop tanks are beautifully produced and a definite improvement over the kit's styrene versions. They're not complicated to use, but beginners to working with resin should be prepared for some careful clean-up as outlined above.

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