Eduard 1/48 Bf109E-3/E-4 P/E
By Jacob Russell
This new photo etch set from Eduard (item number 48774) is for their Bf109E-3/4 kits. It consists of 69 pieces on a single fret. This set is a departure from what one might call a "standard" set, in that none of the pieces are prepainted or self-adhesive, nor does it include an instrument panel or seatbelts. One might regard this as an airframe update set. Upgrades for the cockpit include new rudder pedals, oxygen bottle cover, mapcase, and various levers and controls for both cockpit sidewalls. There are new handles for the cowling machine gun ammo cases, a new supercharger face, and droptank strap (although the droptank was introduced with the E-7 it was retrofitted to earlier variants).
There is new detail for the interior and exterior of the cowling, for the interior of the machine gun cover, and a choice of 2 styles of canopy mirror. You also get new wheelwell liners and ribbing for the upper wheelwells, and enhanced detail for the landing gear wells. Additional items includes engine detail parts, new oleo scissors and exit doors for the wing radiators and oil cooler and a new door for the cockpit stowage hatch.
This is a great set. If you don't want to opt for Eduard's Brassin engine set you can use this set to build a model with the cowling off and still be happy with the results. The wheelwell upgrades and inner cowling detail in particular are significant improvements over kit parts that were quite impressive in the first place. I recommend this set and I would like to thank Eduard for providing the review sample.
