Scale Plastic & Rail

1:48 Bf 109E-1 Interior and Exterior from Eduard

1:48 Bf 109E-1 Interior and Exterior (for Eduard kit)
Eduard
Catalogue # 48720
Available from Eduard for 22.45 Euros

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better! Having reviewed the Eduard ProfiPACK 1/48 Bf109E-1 kit here recently, I thought that it was just about what could be described as the dog's 'jewels' because it had everything a Luftwaffe fan could wish for – well almost. The kit itself already has a P/E set with various internal improvements like the instrument panel and the addition of a coloured seat belt set plus various other little accessories.

Now Messrs Eduard are upping the bar once again and providing the budding builder with accessories to go the 'extra mile'. It is a set that I will use as I had already made my mind up about building the aircraft 'all showing' – in other words with the front cowlings off and the engine and gun emplacements exposed in all their glory (well that is Plan 'A')!

Because the cowling thicknesses will look overscale in size, it will a necessity to thin them down so it will therefore be an advantage to add the inner detail that Eduard provide. Hopefully, the cowlings will then look the business as should the engine with various crankcase and engine bearer additions – I just hope I don't lose the smallest parts while transferring them from the fret to the their locations. The wheel well walls are beautifully etched pieces which will 'just' require shaping and will certainly improve those areas.

As for the cockpit interior, there is a very nice oxygen regulator casing, a seat height adjustment casing and a flying surface adjustment control wheel to keep your fingers and tweezers nimble. They say that patience is a virtue, and when it comes to detailing models that is certainly true. I just have to keep telling myself to take my time – it is not a race!

So what do we think?
Anything that helps to improve the models we build is OK in my book, and this set will certainly enhance Eduard's already very impressive kit. However, at 22.45 Euros, this set is very expensive. Building the Bf109E-1 straight OOB should produce an excellent model – whether super detailers will want to go the whole hog will depend on the depth of their pockets, but I expect many will.

Highly recommended

Our thanks to Eduard for the review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

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Peter Buckingham