TBM-3 Interior S.A.

Destined to the Hobby Boss 1:48 scale Avenger kit (see review here), Eduard's TBM-3 Interior S.A. set comes in the usual packaging of the Czech Manufacturer. The set is composed of two PE frets (one is pre-painted and self adhesive) which are protected by two cardboard sheets to prevent them from damage. A small A5 size construction notice is included as well.

The pre-painted fret is composed of parts which are mostly instrument panels and seatbelts. It can also be purchased separately as a ZOOM reference (FE450). 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 instrument panel for exemple is made of three layers of photo etch and will look really nice once assembled. The various instrument consoles are also superb. While these parts don't add extra detail, they will look more realistic than the plastic they are replacing. Seat belts are not present at all in the Hobby Boss kit so the ones in this set will add this obligatory little extra. In total, more than 50 parts are present on this fret, some being very small like the levers.

The second fret is composed of more than 60 parts. 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 if you plan to use this set. Of course a proper tool (photo etch plier) will be useful.

The instructions are printed in black & white on an A4 sheet folded so to make a small 4 pages booklet. While the drawings are small, they are easy to follow. A fifth page is also included with some advices about the use of self adhesive PE parts.

Conclusion

Eduard's TBM-3 Interior S.A. set will not really enhances the overall level of detail of the Hobby Boss Avenger kit but it will make it look much better and save you a lot of efforts painting all the instruments, panels and radios, not to mention the seatbelts. It is highly recommended if you don't like to paint the cockpit details by yourself or if you want the interior to look finer than it is in plastic.

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