Newsletter - June 2008
NEWS IN JUNE 2008
Bf 110 C/D/E ROYAL CLASS is here!
We don’t release Royal Class kits every month, more like one a year, really. The Royal Class month, when it occurs, tends to require a lot of prep time, and the preceding months tend to be on the hectic side. With the Bf 110 C/D/E Royal Class kit, we invested seven months of intensive work. The first important and difficult step was the decision with regards to the kit concept. It seems easy, but it isn’t, thanks in part to the Bf 110 predecessor, the Fw 190. This kit was extremely successful, thanks mainly to the special bonuses added to the kit. The piece of the real aircraft made this kit very popular, and it was well understood early on, that it won’t be easy to repeat this feat with other subjects. There was no hesitation trying follow in those footsteps, although a repeat of the concept here was not possible. Its not that there is necessarily a shortage of one-ten metal around; I even have one here, an engine cowl parked in my office. But it’s such a beautiful piece, that I would never forgive myself for cutting it up, and seems like a supremely stupid thing to do. Furthermore, there is no history attached to the part. It’s a bit of a ‘no name’ component. The Fw 190 piece had its own story, its own life, and its own spirit. No such luck here, and we had to come up with something else.
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Finally we decided to create another kit as the Bf 110 bonus, a 1:4 scale instrument panel kit. It is a new idea, and developed into a very interesting item that I am glad that we were able to see to fruition. Thanks to the large scale as well as the innovative technology used for this kit, we were able to develop a highly detailed and realistic model. See the attached pictures showing the built-up panel. The kit is detailed to a very high standard, with a plastic base and instrument frames, and with the faces of the instruments being represented by color stickers, printed by a new print technology. It provides high resolution and a realistic instrument surface. The instrument needles are color photo-etch, as well as the placards and instruction tabs and other details on the panel surface. These color photo-etch components elevate this kit to a superior standard, and are to the end result, what brilliance is to a gem. They give the piece of plastic a life and a spirit of its own. The fact that photoetching works is well known, but here it’s a whole new ballgame! Altogether, this is a very complex kit in the best sense of the word, and simply looks great. It’s not a difficult build, all parts are made in their correct color, making painting unnecessary…. just gluing the parts together.
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Bf 110 Royal Class dashboard |
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Comparing the two Bf 110 Royal Class kits with the individual single ‘C’ and ‘E’ releases, the plastic parts bring some significant changes. The most important change is the optional “long” fuselage for the Bf 110D and some Bf 110Es. Another additional frame provides the optional engine nacelles for the Bf 110E Trop, with the large bottom cowl oil coolers. Another important new addition is the FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC radar aerial, which is composed of plastic and photo-etched parts. These additional parts, including the ‘closed’ propeller spinners, are contained in two frames. They are additions not to be taken lightly, and add substantial value to the offering, while highly increasing the version options included in this boxing.
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Royal Class Bf 110 camouflages |
With respect to the accessories, this boxing includes nine photoetched sets, including four full-color sets, and four resin parts. The photo-etched sets contain the usual mix of additional details, and the resin parts are of the dust filters as seen on many aircraft flown on the Eastern front. The photo-etched parts are taken as a standard for Eduard kits, but it has come to be accepted that the PE sets in the Royal Class kits are very substantial, and here we find no exception. These sets are based on sets designed for our kits, but with many major changes and improvements, which takes them a little farther past the Fw190 RC kit.
The instruction sheet contains 38 pages, including 12 pages of painting and marking options. Another eight pages contain the PE set instructions. Twelve pages of the painting guide correspond to twelve options, naturally. There is a mix of all three main versions, the C, D and E, with many alternatives, such as night fighters and aircraft with the famous “Dackelbauch”, the large underbelly fuel tank. It is not necessary to describe all of the versions, just see the attached pictures, as they speak volumes of the release. To cover all selected marking versions, we created two large decal sheets, printed by the famous Cartograph company in Italy. These two sheets are comparable in size as well as in content with three or even four aftermarket decal sheets.
There is another special bonus in the box. The Iron Cross replica follows the Royal Class tradition, and adds a new piece to the collection of WW I and WW II awards and badges. It is, as usual, a full metal piece.
Although the price is not cheap, this total package brings great value for the money. On opening, one will be struck by how chock full the box is, with no free space inside. The edition is limited to 2,100 pcs, with 400 pcs of a special German edition. In this “German” version, we replace the Iron Cross replica with a resin set of exhausts and ammunition boxes, along with a crystal clear vacuformed canopy. If you prefer this edition, look for item number R00005X in the list of products.
ANYTHING MORE?
Yes, of course. There is another Airacobra kit among the June releases. We think it’s time for an Airacobra Weekend edition. We decided to start off the Weekend Airacobra series with the P-400.
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FUTURE KITS
In July, we will continue with the Hellcats. The next edition slated for release is the British Hellcat Mk.I/Mk.II. This will be the Dual Combo kit, with a nice selection of Royal Navy Hellcats in different forms. There are two kits, as you know, with parts for the Hellcat Mk.I (F6F-3) and the Hellcat Mk.II (F6F-5). The marking options encompass six aircraft, with the decals being printed by Cartograph to their usual high standard. There are four sheets of photo-etch, two for each version.
For August, we have two important releases. The first one will be Fokker Dr.I, in a standard orange boxing. The Dreidecker is already a well known kit, thanks to Der rote Flieger Limited Edition release. This kit will offer six marking options for two complete kits contained in the Dual Combo boxing.
August will also see another new 1/48th scale Fw 190 kit. We are on final approach to finishing the Fw 190F-8. You can expect another, slightly refined Focke-Wulf. We added two large frames with new wings and a rich assortment of stores. These include various bombs, weapon containers, rockets such as Panzerschreck and Panzerblitz, and fuel tanks. So, this is another new addition to the Fw 190 theme.
September will bring another Royal Class kit, this time being the Hellcat. So, this year is shaping up as really exceptional, and you can see we are continuing to be extremely active! The Hellcat Royal Class deviates a bit and follows a slightly modified concept than the previous Royal Class kits. We are leaving out the award replica as the main bonus, but we are sweetening the pot with additional accessories. So, along with the traditional photo-etched sets, there will be the addition of engines and wheels, supplied by Quickboost (Aires).
FAR, FAR AHEAD
We often get asked about distant future projects, like the Fw 190D-9. Rest assured, dear friends, that we are working hard to bring these kits out as soon as possible. Those who follow our release frequency will not be surprised to learn that this kit should be out next year. The basic design for the Fw 190D-9 will be officially completed on Monday, June 2nd. We finally decided to make the ceiling of the wheel bay opened up, so the inside of the fuselage will be fully equipped. It makes the kit more complex than we originally wanted, but I’m sure it will be a great looking aspect of the kit. The other thing is that, generally, feedback has indicated a preference towards the more detailed and complete kit, as opposed to the simplified kit.
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Fw 190D |
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Yes, there were some critics of the Bf 110 for its complexity, especially where the cockpit interior was said to be too complicated. Right now, there are the tools and blue prints for the Bf 110G project on my desk. It is a part of the final project acceptance process here at Eduard. I must say, that this one, especially in the Bf 110G-4 version, will not be well received by the ‘easy kit’ lovers! It has twice the parts of the Bf 110E. However, there are some optional parts, like the radar aerials, which are created for some four variants that were radar equipped. There are optional nose and underbelly weapon sets, but also the cockpit interior is highly improved. This will not be a project for a single weekend!
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Bf 109E-4 1/32 |
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Bf 110G-4 |
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The MiG-21 project is also close to final design acceptance. The airframe, as well as all relevant details, are designed, and we just finished the weapon set. This is no easy task for this aircraft, as there are, of course, plenty of rocket variants, bombs, pods etc.. The first MiG, which probably will be the MiG-21bis, is expected late next year, the Fw 190D-9 early next year, and the Bf 110G-4 somewhere in the middle. So, 2009 won’t be a boring year! And, I haven’t even started in on the 1/32nd scale Bf 109E. The first Emil is expected in late 2008 or very early 2009.
JUNE PHOTOETCH
We have just two 1/35th AFV scale sets this month. The aircraft collection is much bigger, as usual. The items I would like to highlight are the two sets for the 1/48th scale Fw 190A-8 from Hasegawa. Three other sets in the same scale are designed for the F4F-3 Wildcat (Hobby Boss). We have also a new color placard set for another Navy bird, the F6F-5 in 1/32nd scale designed for the Trumpeter kits. Two sets in 1/32nd scale are done for Trumpeter¨s P-47D, and there is also a color seatbelt set for German WWI aircraft. It will suit mainly Roden’s nice large scale biplanes (and the Fokker Triplane, of course).
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49412+FE412 F4F-3 Wildcat s.adh |
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32194 P-47D Thunderbolt gun bay |
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48590 F4F-3 Wildcat engine and undercarr. |
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In the mask sets list, you’ll find sets for the Canberra B.I and Saab J-35 Draken. So, if we release a mask, you can expect the photo-etched sets for these ones as well.
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36033 Stryker Blast panels |
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Well, that’s all for now. Have a pleasant June, enjoy our kits and accessories, and take care!
Vladimir Sulc
AVAILABLE FROM 3rd JUNE
| Plastic Kit - EDUARD - Aircraft - Royal Class - 1/48 | ||||||||
| R0005 | Bf 110 Royal Class 1/48 | 1/48 | $185.00 | >> Buy now! << | ||||
| R0005X | Bf 110 Royal Class-GERMANY EDITION 1/48 | 1/48 | $185.00 | >> Buy now! << | ||||
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| Plastic Kit - EDUARD - Aircraft - Weekend Edition - 1/48 | ||||||||
| 8471 | P-400 Airacobra | 1/48 | $19.95 | >> Buy now! << | ||||
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| Big Ed - Aircraft - 1/48 | ||||||||
| BIG4894 | A-10 THUNDERBOLT II | 1/48 | HBS | $74.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Big Ed - Aircraft - 1/72 | ||||||||
| BIG7240 | F-105D THUNDERCHIEF | 1/72 | TRU | $36.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Big Ed - Armoured Fighting Vehicles - 1/35 | ||||||||
| BIG3553 | MARDER III Ausf.M | 1/35 | TAM | $26.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| BIG3552 | Pz.38(t) Ausf.G | 1/35 | DRA | $44.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Color photo etched set - Aircraft - 1/32 | ||||||||
| 32621 | Seatbelts German WWI | 1/32 | $12.95 | >> Buy now! << | ||||
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| Color photo etched set - Aircraft - 1/72 | ||||||||
| 73016 | Seatbelts RFC WWI | 1/72 | $10.95 | >> Buy now! << | ||||
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| Color photo etched set - Ships - 1/350 | ||||||||
| 17512 | IJN Figures 1/350 | 1/350 | $19.95 | >> Buy now! << | ||||
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| Color photo etched set self-adhesive - Aircraft - 1/32 | ||||||||
| 32609 | F6F-5 Hellcat placards s.adh. | 1/32 | TRU | $14.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Color photo etched set self-adhesive - Aircraft - 1/48 | ||||||||
| 49412 | F4F-3 Wildcat s.adh | 1/48 | HBS | $26.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| 49416 | Fw 190A-8 s.adh | 1/48 | HAS | $26.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Photo etched set - Aircraft - 1/32 | ||||||||
| 32194 | P-47D Thunderbolt gun bay | 1/32 | TRU | $34.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| 32197 | P-47D Thunderbolt wheel wells | 1/32 | TRU | $26.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Photo etched set - Aircraft - 1/48 | ||||||||
| 48590 | F4F-3 Wildcat engine and undercarr. | 1/48 | HBS | $24.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| 48594 | F4F-3 Wildcat gun bay | 1/48 | HBS | $29.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| 48595 | Fw 190A-8 landing flaps | 1/48 | HAS | $24.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Photo etched set - Aircraft - 1/72 | ||||||||
| 72472 | Lancaster Mk.I/Mk.II landing flaps | 1/72 | REV | $29.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Photo etched set - Armoured Fighting Vehicles - 1/35 | ||||||||
| 36028 | Leopard 2A6 | 1/35 | TAM | $34.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| 36033 | Stryker Blast panels | 1/35 | TRU | $24.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Color Photo etched - ZOOM self-adhesive - Aircraft - 1/48 | ||||||||
| FE412 | F4F-3 Wildcat interior s.adh | 1/48 | HBS | $10.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| FE416 | Fw 190A-8 s.adh | 1/48 | HAS | $10.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Color Photo etched - ZOOM self-adhesive - Aircraft - 1/72 | ||||||||
| SS305 | Lancaster Mk.I/Mk.II s.adh | 1/72 | REV | $10.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Eduard mask - Aircraft - 1/32 | ||||||||
| JX078 | F6F-3 Hellcat 1/32 | 1/32 | TRU | $10.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| JX079 | F8F-1 Bearcat 1/32 | 1/32 | TRU | $10.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Eduard mask - Aircraft - 1/48 | ||||||||
| EX251 | Canberra B.I 1/48 | 1/48 | AIR | $12.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| EX249 | J-35 Draken 1/48 | 1/48 | HAS | $10.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| EX250 | P-39/P-400 Airacobra Weekend 1/48 | 1/48 | EDU | $9.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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| Eduard mask - Aircraft - 1/72 | ||||||||
| CX214 | F-22 Raptor 1/72 | 1/72 | REV | $7.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
| CX216 | Su-15 Flagon 1/72 | 1/72 | TRU | $7.95 | >> Buy now! << | |||
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