TBF-1 interior Self Adhesive

Eduard's 1:48 scale TBF-1 interior Self Adhesive photo etched set comes in the standard plastic bag packaging of the Czech manufacturer. Well protected, thanks to two cardboard sheets, the set is composed of two metal frets and one instruction sheet.

The first PE fret is self-adhesive and pre-painted. It can also be purchased separately as a ZOOM reference (FE457). It comprises what Eduard think are the most important detail parts to enhance the appearance of an aircraft model's cockpit: the instrument panels and the seat belts. In this case, some instrument console faces and some smaller parts are included as well (levers, gun handles, cockpit wheels etc...). The fact that the parts are pre-painted and self-adhesive make them very easy to use as you only have to erase the relief detail of the original model (as shown in the instructions) and instead put the PE parts in place. The crispness of the metal replacements, as well as the precise color printing, make the set a very welcome addition to the basic model.

The second PE fret, while not self-adhesive and not pre-painted, is what makes this reference more interesting and more complete than a simple ZOOM set. It provides additional detail parts, in this case mostly for the cockpit, which allow the modeller to "super detail" the Hobby Boss kit in this area. A complete new pilot seat replaces the original thicker plastic version of the kit and will look much more realistic. A profusion of smaller parts will add some extra detail in the interior and the gunner stations as well. Apart from a gun sight, a door handle and a cover plate for the underside, there are no detail parts that go on the outside of the model, so this set indeed deserves it's "interior set" label. PE gun barrels are included as well though, but you will have to bend them to shape which will represent the most difficult work of you plan to use this set.

The instructions are printed in black and white on a single A4 sheet of paper. Once folded in the middle, a small 4 pages A5 size booklet can be obtained. I have noticed that page 5 of 5 was missing. It is the "how to use self-adhesive parts" explanation and if you think you must absolutely read it, you can dowload it, as well as a color version of the assembly instructions, at the Eduard website (click on Instruction Sheet to download the PDF file).

Conclusion

This is another fine photo etched set by Eduard. If you want to dress up your Hobby Boss 1:48 scale TBF-1 Avenger interior, without doing too many efforts, then I can highly recommend it to you.

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