Scale Plastic & Rail

1:35 Leopard 2A6M CDN Mesh and Box sets from Eduard

1:35 Leopard 2A6M CDN Mesh and Boxes
Eduard
Catalogue #'s 36184 and 36183 respectively
Available directly from Eduard for €17,25 each

The good folks at Eduard have sent us two photo etch detail sets for the excellent HobbyBoss Leopard 2A6M CDN kit. Targeting the kits two weakest areas, the focus of these sets are the various meshes and stowage boxes. Let's take a look:

36183, Leopard 2A6M CDN Boxes

Continuing their current run of photo etch armour upgrades, Eduard have produced this highly detailed set to upgrade the external appearance of the HobbyBoss 1:35 Leopard 2A6M. The set contains a single sheet of detailed parts to construct 2 different styles of stowage boxes with all the accompanying trimmings.

Two types of stowage container are provided with this set.  Accurate scale hinges, very delicate tie-downs, and all forms of latches and handles to identically replicate the real thing, are included. As you would expect given the nature of some of these items, there are a number of very tiny parts, and utmost care will be required when gluing them in place to avoid any unwanted mishaps, or the carpet monster growling. This set does call for a fair amount of bending to be done with this set so you really would be advised to invest in a decent photo etch bending tool such as the Hold ' Fold or the Flip-R.

The instructions are printed on a single sides sheet and are very clear to follow, even if some of the parts will test your patience. No surgery will be required whatsoever as these parts are direct replacements for the kits plastic items.

So what do we think?
Eduard has produced a real corker of a set here. The instructions being very clear cut in the construction process, clearing showing which incredibly small part goes where. While the number of small parts may seem daunting to some, both time and patience with this set will really pay dividends and make a noticeable difference to the finished model. Used in conjunction with this next Eduard set, and you model will be sure to stand out from the crowd.

Highly recommended

36184, Leopard 2A6M CDN Mesh

As well as the release of the Leopard 2A6M CDN Boxes, Eduard have now faithfully produced this mesh set to really add some scale appearance to your HobbyBoss Leopard model.

The set consists of a large single fret with some of the most delicate mesh reproduction I have ever seen, and certainly ever worked with. Extreme care will have to be taken when removing each portion of mesh from the plate, as distortion will be easy due to the delicate nature of the mesh if you don't use a sharp, new blade and minimal pressure.

The set provides you with two exhaust covers which in turn are made up of 2 very finely engraved discs. Also included is mesh to upgrade two of the kits existing external containers. There are no score marks on any of the mesh parts, so annealing the mesh in order for it to conform to existing kit parts is a must. The set also provides ten parts which appear to be cable ties, and forty of the accompanying tie downs. The instructions faithfully go through the steps of how to attach the cable tie to the tie down itself, and where to place these very delicate sub-assemblies on your completed model. These, when added, will really add some finesse to the model.

My favourite part of the set however, has to be the included rivet maker that most modellers tend to ignore, but I find extremely useful. Situated either end of the metal plate are 4 different sizes of hexagonal holes in which you can, with the help of some heated sprue, recreate your very own rivets. Very handy indeed. This set appears to be very user friendly and easy to install for a modeller of average skill, while having a large parts count. The Instructions are clearly printed on a single sided sheet, showing each step and where to place each portion of the photo etch on your model. The line drawings have different coloured ink to denote newly attached parts and any surgery needed to fit the parts.

So what do we think?
I must admit, I was very impressed when I saw the level of detail on this set. The finesse of the mesh really has to be seen to be believed. This set is designed primarily to spruce up the exhaust ports, and external containers on the Leopard. Coupled with CDN Boxes, this set will add a level of realism to your model that would otherwise be unobtainable. Thank you Mr Eduard.

Highly recommended.

Our sincere thanks to Eduard for the review samples used here. To purchese the MESH set, click HERE. To purchase the BOXES set, click HERE

Nick Gyte