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Eduard 1/35 German Radio Equipment

By Don Barry

The newest release in Eduard's line of pre-painted armor photoetched detail sets is this collection of German back pack radios.  This set is composed of two sheets of etched brass, one measuring 2 3/4" x 2 3/8" and one  3 5/8" x 5 3/8".  The smaller fret contains 62 pieces and has the radio faceplates, carrying straps, and front details.  The larger of the two has 195 pieces, and contains the parts to be folded into the bodies of the radios, carrying handles, cover pates and latches, headphones and sending keys, and dozens of brackets for the straps.  The single page instruction sheet shows diagrams for four different radio sets.  The different sets had differing ranges and transmitted/received on different wavelengths.  As stated, this is a   prepainted set, with the bodies of the radios done in a medium dark grey with bare metal rivet strips.  The handles and latches arre both painted and bare metal.  The straps are a light leather color, with all the buckle holes etched in.  The faceplates are black, with white/black and colored dial faces.  All those tiny data plates and markings in the dial faces done for you.  How much better can it get?  The instructions show adding small plastic blocks in the front corners of the boxes to help support the faceplates, which seems a good idea.  These are supplied by the builder, as is the wire for the headphones and sending keys.  Super fine solder works very well for this, as it is more easily draped and arranged than wire.    

In this reviewer's opinion, Eduard has a solid hit with this set.  Aircraft builders have for years enjoyed prepainted instrument panels and seatbelts.  Now its the the turn of armor enthusiasts.  Highly recommended.  Let's hope Eduard continues to expand in this area.  I would like to thank Eduard for the review set.  Happy modeling.