TBM-3 Exterior

Destined to the Hobby Boss 1:48 scale Avenger kit (see review here), Eduard's TBM-3Exterior set comes in the usual plastic pouch of the Czech Manufacturer. The set is composed of two rather big PE frets which are protected by two cardboard sheets to prevent them from damage. A small A5 size construction notice is included.

The first fret (part1) has almost 150 parts and the second (part 2) more than 110, which makes quite a high total of additional parts! They are destined to enhance the level of detail and the appearance of many areas of the model:
- the engine: ignition wires, plates, placards etc...
- the firewall: straps, boxes, cables, frames etc...
- the engine cowling: grills and flaps.
- the landing gear: cables, cover plates etc...
- the external stores: 3,5 inch rockets fins, ignition cables, bomb racks etc...
- the fuselage: access handles, antenna mast detail etc...

But what makes this set really interesting is the extra detail parts provided for the wing fold mechanism. It is indeed a feature of the Hobby Boss model which makes it different when compared to the Accurate Miniature kit in the same scale, so some extra detail here won't be superfluous. And here Eduard really have excelled. The whole landing gear bay, which is very visible with the wings in the folded position, has been completely reworked, as well as the inner structure of the wings. Once completed with the extra photo etched parts, this area of the model will surely be an eye catcher.

The quality of the photo etched parts and the level of detail are great. Some parts will have to be bent to shape, so a proper tool (photo etch plier) will be useful. Be prepared to work with very small parts though. I also recommand you to apply white glue to the cables provided in the set to give them a more realistic three dimensional appearance.

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 should be present but was missing in my sample. it is the page which is mainly dedicated to the rockets. If it is missing in your bag as well, you can download the .pdf file at the Eduard website (direct link here).

Conclusion

Eduard's TBM-3 set will represent a great addition to the original Hobby Boss kit and will greatly enhance it's level of detail. In particular the parts for the wing fold mechanism are noteworthy. If you want to build your model with the wings folded, I wouldn't hesitate.

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