Eduard 1/72 Italeri CR.32 Photoetch
By Matt Bittner
When building biplanes with their (usually) open cockpits you want to add plenty of detail since you'll be able to see into the cockpit. This set from Eduard (#73511) definitely adds a lot to the kit's cockpit, and more.
Eduard has you remove all the molded-in sidewall detail along with part of the lip that holds the kit instrument panel in place. This means Eduard provides not only the sidewall stringers but a lot more detail than that. There is a really nice, folded-up throttle assembly as well as other detail. The replacement instrument panel is a three-piece affair that will look really great when added. There's a new front-bulkhead that is added to the cockpit floor along with rudder pedals and other items. The set includes a new seat-back that includes the seat belts to which is added the shoulder harness.
For exterior pieces there are a lot of panels to add to the fuselage, including louvered-ones which the kit left off. The wings receive new control horns (after cutting the molded-ones off) that include control rigging. There are new brass items to add to the nose and a new grill for the nose intake. There is also a pilot's step and the "pitot" and piping for one of the wing struts.
All in all there is a lot of great detail to make the Italeri 1/72 CR.32 really stand out.
Lots of thanks is given to Eduard for this review set.