Brengun 1/72 Typhoon Car Door Photoetch
By Matt Bittner
I actually like it when companies release extra detail sets instead of automatically include them in their kits. This way if you don't like – or want – the extra detail, then you're not paying for it with increased kit costs. And those people that actually want the extra detail don't mind paying the extra money.
This release from Brengun for their 1/72 Car Door Typhoon consists of one fret of photoetch, on clear film for the instrument panel, and a section of resin that consists of replacement cannon barrels. On the photoetch are parts to replace items on the tubular cockpit sidewalls (such as throttle, etc.); a replacement instrument panel that is not only built up from seven pieces, but also uses the clear film for the instrument details; flaps that can be displayed extended; fins for the rockets; and the "fish plates" for the rear fuselage, which were left off the original kit. However, it's my opinion these fish plates aren't best served as photoetch items, since on the real aircraft they're quite subtle. Somehow I would try to blend them a bit more into the fuselage, but right not unsure how. These might have been better served as thicker decals, or maybe even rub-on transfers. In any event, since they were left off the plastic at least you have something to represent those plates.
The replacement resin cannon barrels are very nicely cast - with semi-hollowed out ends - but the instructions don't mention anything about them. This is definitely an area where you'll need references to determine where to cut the kit barrels to apply the resin replacements.
As I mentioned earlier, there is nothing in this set you truly need (aside from the "fish plates") so if you don't like working with photoech, then just stick with what you receive in the kit. If you want extra detail, though, definitely pick up this extra set.
A definite "thank you" to Brengun for sending this to review.