Made by Eduard and available from
Hobbylink
Japan
Eduard’s series of pre-painted photo-etch sets
have become more and more prominent in the world of modelling in the recent
years, with more and more aircraft being covered. This time it is the large
Japanese Mitsubishi Ki-67 Hiryu bomber’s turn. This detail set is for the
Hasegawa 1/72nd scale kit but with a little work from an experienced modeller
could be adapted to fit the Arii 1/72nd kit as well.
First things first, there was hardly a word of
English in this entire kit, everything bar “Ki-67”, “Eduard” and the
Allied code-name “Peggy” was in Japanese, so if you do order this make sure
you either read Japanese or specifically order an English version (if
available).
Now let’s get to the photo-etch.
I’m very happy to say that this set has some stunning detail, far superior to
the 1/48 scale Zero Eduard photo-etch I got recently. The instruments have
really clear white printing on the black dials, with the result that at 1/72nd
scale you can easily make out the different fuel, temperature, pressure gauges
etc. This was a failing on the previous set but the printing is now crystal
clear. All the photo-etch is pre-painted in the correct multiple colours, with
the interior green being accurate(ish!) for a Mitsubishi built aircraft. The
photo-etch fret has 45 parts, and is not self adhesive. (So make sure you have
your photo-etch glue of choice handy!)
Click on
images below to see larger images
The pilots instrument panel really
steals the show on this one, it is large, and with all the juicy detail you will
want to make sure your build has a nice clear canopy to see all this! The
bombardier, navigator and wireless operator’s equipment is all present, as
well as seat belts, throttles, bomb-release gear and even what I assume to be an
inter-crew radio system for the tail and beam gunners.
This is a must get set for the
Hasegawa kit, and don’t be put off by the 1/72nd scale, this big bird has some
awesome detail to show off!
Well done to Platz
(and Eduard), and Thanks to Hobbylink
Japan for this review sample.
Dean Reynolds
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