EDUARD: NEWS IN OCTOBER 2006 October 2 nd, 2006

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1 EDUARD: NEWS IN OCTOBER 2006 October 2 nd, 2006 In September, we completed the fine tuning of our Focke-Wulf under some pretty authentic conditions, as things turned out. Under what can be described as pretty normal evolution of things, our local power company CEZ initiated upgrades to their system, and this involved the digging up of virtually the entire local area. This is what the front must ve looked like in There was an assault by digging equipment, jackhammers, and god only knows what else on local pavements that had a similar feel to heavy flak. When it went off, the whole building shook, rattled and rolled. Director Mr.Vladimir Sulc package first 30 boxes of Fw 190A-8 review samples Our Fw was eventually born under these conditions, and can now fly off into the sunset. As an almost completed series item, we demonstrated it at E-Day in mid-september, and went on sale for the first time on October 1st at Saskem Lipisk. It did provoke a lot of interest, and questions such as why an Fw190, when everyone makes one. There are so many 190s and Mustangs, and no Hawker Demon. Why don¹t you make something more interesting, like the Demon? That raises the question for how many modelers is the Demon really more interesting (and some five thousand similar types), and more importantly and conversely, does everyone build the Fw190. There is an undeniable truth connected to this issue, because where modeling is concerned, generally speaking, all modelers that fall within the average norm have built at least one Fw190. Accent on the at least, because I dare say that just one built is unlikely. The question also can become even more substantial when analyzed from the point of view of the manufacturer. The history of model kit production has in fact seen a fair number of 1/48 th scale Fw-190s over the years, but not all are considered a viable basis for a good finished product as dictated by modern standards. This leaves only the newer ones, and the newest of all is the Hasegawa offering. It is a nice offering of the A-4 version, but I admit that it causes me a suspicious recollection of the Dragon kit. That kit has pretty much passed its prime, its first incarnation from Trimaster appeared at the end of the eighties. Dragon took over production of these, what were beautiful kits at the time, and produced, and continues to produce, later variants A-5, A-8 and F-8. But, try to find them. The A-8 can be found from time to time, and the A-5, with much more effort and luck. There is no real sense in even mentioning the A-6 and A-7. They simply aren t, and even so, did not represent the boxtop descriptions of the version inside. There always seems to be some component gluing, sanding or rescribing scam involved Tamiya has also boxed some Fw190s, the A-3, F-8, and the relatively new A-8/R2. It also comes from the line begun with the F-8. Attention has not been allotted to other versions, as the A-5, A-6 and A-7 have been ignored. So, the situation with this specific subject matter is not as rosy at it appears at first glance. In reality, there are no more than those offered, and for us it represents a missing link in the market, rather than a case of ourselves forcing our way where everyone else is already. Another thing to bear in mind is the layout and engineering of our new kit, which was greeted very enthusiastically by those that were interested enough in the subject to inspect our offering in detail at the recent e-day in Prague and IPMS National Convention in Kansas City. More on that below.

2 E-day 2006 IPMS Czech Republic National Convention 1200 displayed models, 300 participating modelers, 22 club displays, 62 manufacturer s booths, 5600 visitors. That is the breakdown of this year s E-day/IPMS Czech Republic Nationals. More in the photos, or at To be continued next year. That ll make seven, at the same place, and around the same time, 14th, 15th and 16th of September, MODELS FOR OCTOBER Back to the Fw190. You can no doubt see that this will not only be considered the top item for the month, and likely not just for the year, either. We really took our time and care with this one. The bad news for the rivet counters out there, for whom a wheel always seems too round (or too square, which ever suits their need of the moment), this represents the top level of all we have strived for over the years. Now that I think about it, maybe its good news after all. Certainly good news for everyone else, in the sense that this result is the way it should be, and is consistent with the way we planned this product several years back. Should it bother some, that it doesn t look like a Tamiya kit, well, so be it. We don t necessarily want our models to look like Tamiya (with all due respect); we want them to look like Eduard, and that is how look they will!. With the Focke-Wulf, we are adhering to our self-imposed restrictions. Restricted are the ejector pin marks, for example, that tend to appear where you least want them, on such items with detail faces as wheel wells, landing gear struts, wheels, seats. Think back to all those times that these nasty little pin marks set you back on a project. You know what I mean, right? Another one of our self imposed nono s is to cut up a model in the name of modularization for multiple versions. There are no missing panels, cut up, version specific tails to add on, or similar wing bits. And you know what I mean here, too, right? In order to properly cover, by our standard, all the versions from the A-5 to the A-9, including their F and G developments, we have a total of six wings (six bottom surfaces and two upper), and three fuselage moldings. Another, perhaps a little trickier, restriction concerns shrinkage sink marks. That s not always an easy thing to eliminate, but we developed the engineering concept of this kit to minimize sink marks right from the beginning. Our 190 has succeeded along these lines as well. Eduard s first Fw190, then, is the Fw190A-8. How to describe it? Its tough to know where to start. This model has many interesting features and molding innovations. It should be noted that this is not really a kit for beginners. Contrary to the I-16 or the D.VII, it is not even a project for the long weekend. It is a relatively complex model, out of necessity, and requires a time investment. On the other hand,

3 through careful attention to detail, the end result surpasses those of models in larger scales. Case in point, the landing gear wells, which contain a plethora of details that attain a new standard of quality. Careful attention was given to the engineering of the interfaces of parts that, first developed for the D.VII, ensure the proper positioning of adjacent components. This applies, for example, to the wheel wells, and actually, the entire landing gear assembly. The model is also unique by virtue of its skinning. Our rivets have a diameter of 0.1mm, and a depth of 0.05mm. A finer tolerance than that is as yet unattainable, but I think that personally, I would avoid going finer than that. The damn things are getting hard to see. There are a lot of alternative parts as well. For example, you ll find that there are four versions of cockpit canopies. There is a newer variant, and an older one, and each one is included twice. Why? Each version has two options, and this is brought on by the simple fact that the canopy rails are not parallel. As the canopy slid back, to its open position, the bottom of the canopy became narrower. This necessitated the addition of a hinge in the top of the canopy, from the front frame towards the rear, and this hinge would allow the canopy to compress at the rails. This is quite evident from photographs, although it would seem that few people have actually been made aware of this. A similar feature of the kit concerns the wheels. Specifically, the tires, and the top surface of the wings. Two of the marking options require a smooth wing surface, while two require a bulged wing to accommodate the wheels. Alternatives are also provided where the photoetched parts are concerned. As usual with our kits over the past, photoetched brass forms an integral part of the kit, but with the exception of things such as the seatbelts, all brass parts have their plastic equivalents provided, so the amount of brass used is up to you. Problems could arise if you choose to close the weapons compartments, which are provided as exposed detailed areas. This doesn t present a major problem in the case of the wing cannon, but should you wish to close the fuselage gun compartment, you¹ll find that the guns don t fit under the cover. In that case, the remedy is to not install them, cut off the tip of the barrels, and reinstall them in the appropriate place under the leading edge of the cover. On the other hand, the guns, when shown exposed, are an imposing sight, complemented by the open cover which has structural details on its inner surface. And with no ejector pin marks. In a bit of a paradox, it would be a bit more work to display the model in a ready to fly configuration than one with details exposed, but its something that those that would choose to do so, would enjoy doing. There are four markings options, each more colorful than the last. I expect that most of the criticisms will appear here. As usual: wrong colors, wrong fields, wrong everything. Fine. I ll quote an old, wise truth: paint as you ike, and don t complain! The decals should be well accepted, though. Wherever we ran across doubt, or contrary information, you ll find that we provide alternatives. In the case of Dahl s aircraft, there are six emblems n several possible presentations. The reason is obvious, as no one seems to know exactly as they appeared, and there are then several reasonable possibilities. So, with the choices, you can go with your own choice, based n your own research. But, once again, its clear to me, that some left out versions will remain, so there will still be something to discuss.

4 That should be enough, for now. We ll have more than our share of the 190 in the near future, I¹m sure. The only thing to add is that the kit is in our stock from the first week of October, and will hit the stores around the middle of the month at a retail price of $39.95US. In Germany, it will be at Euro, and in other countries, I really don t know. Nieuport 17 1/72 October does have another kit to mention. I touched on this back in September, and it is the Nieuport 17. It is in 1/48th, and a bit on the fictitious side. It also has a different boxart presentation, modeled after the Flyboys movie poster. This is a movie inspired by the exploits of the famous Escadrille LaFayette. For a bit of a change, we allowed ourselves to be inspired by the movie, and are boxing a threesome of models with camouflage schemes from the movie. The first is the 1/48th scale Nieuport 17. the other two will be in 1/72nd scale, the Fokker Dr.I, and an all-new Nieuport 17. This is the secret project I had eluded two last month, so there will be no misunderstanding. It should be clear to you, and not really much of a surprise, that this kit will also be released later in historically accurate schemes. We are also preparing the Ni-17, Ni-21 and Ni-23. Because progress is such a mean and unstoppable mistress, these kits will be better detailed than their old, original 1/48th scale counterparts. OCTOBER PHOTOETCHED A quick note about the photoetching for this month. This Info is as long as a week as it is, and I am not an award winning author to entertain you. In the case of 1/72nd scale armor, we have one single set for the M-4 Sherman, from Trumpeter. In 1/48th scale, the selection gets a bit better, with one set for Tamiya s KV-1, and the rest for the new Chinese firm Hobby Boss. A bit of a presumptuous name, don t you think? Nevertheless, nice kits they are, and they include two sets for the Sherman, and one for the LCM-3 landing craft. In 1/35th scale, there is a veritable explosion of thirteen sets. These include sets on the Pz.38(t) from Tristar, and the Centurion Mk.5 from AFV Club. Here, there are four

5 sets, and they are not small. A good candidate for a future Big Ed. That s not all, as we follow that up with five Zoom sets for armor, two of which are self adhesive, and three in color. There are collar insignia, badges and decorations for German soldiers. These sets beg further inspection, as most of you will find them more than interesting KV-1 1/ Pz.38(t) Ausf.E/F exterior 1/ M-4A3 Sherman 1/48 Turning to aircraft, 1/32nd scale sees a continuation on the Dauntless theme, this time with the SBD-3. There are two sets for the P-38L from Trumpeter, and one set was added to the CH-47A Chinook from the same maker. In 1/48th scale we have a landing flap set for our own Fw190 (did I mention we have an Fw190??) The kit has what is needed to help in the incorporation of these landing flaps. The etched brass parts are up to our modern engineering standards, and truly look great in the model. The second set, this time in color, is for the EF-2000 Typhoon from Revell. This one covers the single seat variant F-18C Hornet 1/ Sd.Kfz.234/4 1/ Centurion Mk.5/1 Australian 1/35 In 1/72nd scale, there are two sets, for the Bf109K from Fine Molds, and for the F-18C Hornet from Hasegawa. October closes out, as usual, with Big Eds, this time with four. And that will be it for this month. Good Night, and don t let the 190s bite! NEW RELEASES IN OCTOBER Available October 1st, 2006 PLASTIC KITS 8173 Fw 190A-8 1/48 Eduard 39, Ni-17 1/48 Flyboys FLYBOYS 22,95 PHOTOETCH / AFV 1/72 nd M-4 Sherman Mid production Trumpeter 19,95 1/48 th 1/35 th KV-1 1/48 Tamiya , LCM-3 Landing Craft 1/48 Hobby Boss 19, M-4A3 Sherman 1/48 Hobby Boss 22, M-4 Sherman 1/48 Hobby Boss 22, Pz.IV Ausf.B Tristar 14, M-548 Gun Truck/Cargo AFV 24, JgdPz.IV A-0 Dragon ,95

6 Zimmerit JgdPz.IV A-0 Dragon , Sd.Kfz.234/4 Dragon , Pz.38(t) interior Tristar 22, Pz.38(t) Ausf.E/F exterior Tristar 19, Centurion Mk.5/1 Australian AFV Club , Centurion Mk.5 tool boxes AFV Club 22, Floor plate US x 14, Floor plate US x 14, Centurion Mk.5/1 Australian grills AFV Club , Centurion Mk.5/1 Australian Ammo.Boxes AFV Club ,95 PHOTOETCH / AIRCRAFT 1/32 nd CH-47A Chinook exterior 1/35 Trumpeter 19,95 1/32 nd COLOR P-38L Lightning interior Trumpeter 29, SBD-3/4 Dauntless rear interior Trumpeter 29, SBD-3/4 Dauntless front interior Trumpeter 29, P-38L Lightning seatbelts Trumpeter 9,95 1/48 th Fw 190A-8 landing flaps Eduard 19,95 1/48 th COLOR EF-2000 Typhoon Single seater Revell 24,95 1/72 nd COLOR Bf 109K-4 Fine Molds 19, F-18C Hornet Hasegawa 24,95 ZOOM / AIRCRAFT 1/48 th COLOR FE 367 EF-2000 Typhoon Single seater Revell 7,95 1/72 nd COLOR SS 272 Bf 109K-4 Fine Molds 6,95 SS 273 F-18C Hornet Hasegawa 6,95 ZOOM / AFV 1/35 th TP 091 Panther Ausf.G self adhesive Dragon 7,95 TP 092 King Tiger self adhesive Tamiya 7,95 TP 519 German Infantry Ranks WWII 7,95 TP 520 German Panzer Ranks WWII 7,95 TP 521 German Artillery Ranks WWII 7,95 EDUARD MASK 1/48 th AIRCRAFT EX 195 Wellington Mk.I 1/48 Trumpeter 9,95 EX 196 Anson 1/48 Classic Airframes 9,95 EX 197 Walrus 1/48 Classic Airframes 7,95 EX 198 Ki-10 II Perry 1/48 Fine Molds 4,95 EX 199 ACH-47A Chinook 1/48 Italeri 6,95 1/32 nd AIRCRAFT JX 060 EC-135 1/32 Revell 9,95 1/48 th AFV FX 013 Krupp Protze 6x4 wheel masks 1/48 Tamiya ,95 FX 014 Sherman Firefly IC wheel masks 1/48 Tamiya ,95 FX 016 T-34/ wheel masks 1/48 Hobby Boss 7,95 FX 017 M-4A3E-8 Sherman wheel masks 1/48 Hobby Boss 7,95 FX 018 T-34/ wheel masks 1/48 Hobby Boss 6,95 1/35 th AFV XT 136 Panther Ausf.G wheel masks 1/35 Dragon ,95

7 BIG ED VARIOUS SCALES BIG7224 LANCASTER B.Mk.III DAMBUSTER Hasegawa 59,95 BIG7225 F-4F PHANTOM II Hasegawa 37,95 BIG3242 WWII SEATBELTS SET 46,95 BIG2802 HETZER 1/48 Tamiya 26,95