EDUARD DECEMBER 2007 RELEASES December 10th, 2007 There are times when I find discussions very surprising. Case in point: the Bf 110 wheels. Yes, I know there were two different types of wheel on C/D versions from the others, and we discovered this fact when we designed the kit. However, because the difference is only about 1.25mm in diameter in 1/48th scale, we decided to do only one, generic type of wheel for all our versions. Our wheel has a diameter of some 18.6 mm. For the C/D version, the 1/48th scale wheel should be 18.23mm, making ours about 0.37mm bigger, and for the E it should be 19.48mm, making ours about 0.88 mm smaller. To commit this crime was my personal decision. I understand this could be a problem for those who intensively study the type, but I m also convinced this dimension will not be recognized on the built-up model, even when both versions sit side by side. Frankly speaking, I can t identify the version of the 110 when I see just the wheel. Yes, it is quite simple to resolve the C/D from the E version when you see other parts of the undercarriage, but this is not discussed, perhaps due to the notion that this is a less interesting facet of the question. We have to solve similar problems very frequently. It is quite easy to say this was changed or that was altered on version XY. However, when we have to apply a change to our model, we often find it is not that easy. Such was the case with that bench seat in the Bf 110E. We had every intention to provide such a seat in the E kit. We even have had the photo-etched seat designed, but we finally decided not to add this to the kit. Why? We simply weren t convinced that the only known picture really shows a standard Bf 110E. There remained too many questions, and the seat fit so strange in the kit, that we ultimately decided against it. It may be that this one is really in a 110, but may be a special modification, where there was a reason to mount such a simplified seat. But when you compare all versions, you ll note that the known pictures of C/D and G-4 show details, which were eliminated in this picture of the supposed E. Why would it be changed, and later changed back? Perhaps we are wrong, and the E seat was of the bench type. If yes, we would like to see a better document than this single picture. If we are able to acquire such a reference, we can incorporate a change to the Royal Class kit. There is still time to do this. The bench seat is a pretty nice detail, and I would be personally happy to see it in the RC kit! We ran into a similar problem immediately after setting up the design stage of the Fw 190D-9. It is the famous open roof of the landing gear well. Was it really open? We are somewhat skeptical. Yes, the only existing Fw 190D-9, in the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio, has the open well, where you can see the bottom of the engine. But, was this standard? Or is it just on this museum aircraft? Simply put, it is incomplete. Is there just a missing screen? We have hundreds of pictures, but there is no picture showing this part except the pictures of Dayton s Dora. We feel there is no reason to leave this space open (if you have the plate, of course), because the plate should fit there. Who knows? There is room for speculation. KITS IN DECEMBER There are five kits released for December, but most of them aren t absolutely new, except for the set of German Luftwaffe Fighter Crew figures in 1/48th scale. This is a brand new one, and I think this is one of our best figure releases to date. Luftwaffe Fighter Crew 1944 1/48
There are two 1/72nd scale kits, both released in the Dual Combo mode. The Nieuport 23 is based on the Nieuport 17 kit, with a couple of small changes in the assembly. There are four marking options. Having two kits in the box, you needn t waste these colorful choices! Nieuport Ni-23 Dual Combo 1/72 The L-39 Albatros in Limited Edition offers eight marking options of exotic air forces. Besides the great decal sheet, you can find extensive choice of PE details in the box. L-39 Albatros Dual bombo 1/72 A further two kits are in quarter scale. The Albatros D.II is well known, and in this boxing it is replacing the sold out older releases. The last December kit is not actually of Eduard production, although it is based on our plastic trees. Gavia is finally releasing their Albatros D.I in the same month as we do our D.II. Which is perfect timing for
all Albatros family collectors, I would guess. Gavia s kit is highly upgraded, with nice decal sheet, PE set and full color instruction and marking and painting guide. Albatros D.II 1/48 Albatros D.I 1/48 KITS IN NEXT QUARTER Our release schedule is extremely interesting for the next three months. But really, when isn't it? So, what should you expect? In January, we have the Fw 190A-8 in the Weekend Edition boxing. Yes, this kit was sometimes commented as too complicated, but I m sure it will be welcome in this fashion, especially thanks to friendly pricing. The retail is suggested at $ 22.95. A frequent question is, if it is actually buildable over the span of a weekend. See the pictures the model displayed here was built by Jozeph Pepe Choren, short of 23.5 hours. So, if you don't sweat sleep, are on a food-free diet, and eliminate all other non-essential activities except gluing and painting, then the answer is a resounding 'YES'! Fw 190A-8 Weekend 1/48 box, constructed and painted model
The Mirage 2000C is another of our Limited Edition kits. This one is again based on the Heller kit, upgraded within our style. There is a great decal sheet offering six marking options, highly colorful options to be sure. We have added a color photo-etch sheet, of course, as well as a large mask sheet, a resin ejection seat and centerline fuel tank. Our kit also contains a pair of underwing fuel tanks, which aren t contained in the original kit. MIRAGE 2000C 1/48 box
February will be a Navy month. We have our Hellcat ready for release, and the ex-mpm/special Hobby Fulmar Mk.II, both kits are in 1/48th scale, of course. Fairley Fulmar Mk.II 1/48 - camouflages F6F-3 Hellcat 1/48 box Hellcat - fuselage March will come with a surprise; we have the Fw 190A-5 as a Weekend Edition kit, and the Spitfire Mk.22/24 in the Limited Edition. This is the second edition of this Airfix original. I just remember the first edition was sold out extremely quickly, short of two weeks. Don t miss this second one!
PHOTOETCH IN DECEMBER Seems no month collection can be without a Stryker set late this year, and there is at least one in the December batch Stryker additional armor for the Trumpeter kit. You would think that s all, but it isn t. There will be more Stryker sets in the following months. Besides offerings in 1/72nd scale, there is some extra retractable roof armor and the command version, so there is still no shortage of what to do for these kits. Moving past the Stryker set, there are three sets for the LVT-2 Amtrack (Italeri) and a set for M1A2 Abrams SEP (Dragon). Staying with 1/35th scale sets, note the three new figure sets in the Zoom line. 36010+36013+36014 LVT-2 Amtrack 1/35 Four sets were designed for the MPM/Special Hobby P-39D Airacobra in 1/32nd scale. There are sets covering the general exterior, interior (self adhesive color set), landing flaps and the undercarriage. There is also the F-14 Placard Self Adhesive set in the 1/32nd scale line. 32171+32178+32180+32595 P-39D Airacobra exterior, interior, undercarriage, flaps 1/32 48575+49386+FE386 Lavochkin La-5 FN self adhesive 1/48 In 1/48th scale, we have two sets for the new Zvezda La-5FN, and in 1/72nd scale we have also two sets, covering the Sea Fury FB.Mk.II (Trumpeter) and He 177 (Revell). As usual, we have four new Big ED packings, and I m sure the F-16CJ 1/48th (Tamiya) is likely to be the most interesting one among them. 73283+SS283 Sea Fury FB.II self adhesive 1/48
73288+SS288 He 177 Greif with HS 293 self adhesive 1/72 PHOTOETCH IN JANUARY January is the time for the 1/72nd scale Stryker sets, and there will be two (Stryker ICV and Stryker slat armor) in the January release list. In the 1/35th scale line, we have a set for the new Tamiya Hetzer, two sets (exterior & interior) for the Humber Mk.I (Bronco) and a set for Italeri's Bofors 40mm AA gun. The 1/32nd scale line is dedicated to the Wildcat, there are five (!) sets for the F4F-3 from Trumpeter Exterior, interior, undercarriage, landing flaps and bomb bay. There is a sixth set, the Self Adhesive Color Placard Set for F-15 by Tamiya. Stryker ICV 1/72 PE sets In 1/48th scale, we are going to release the set for our own Bf 110C and two sets for the Fw 190A-5 by Hasegawa (basic set & Landing Flaps set), two sets are ready for the 1/72nd scale line too exterior & interior set s for Dragon s P-61 Black Widow. There is also a 1/350 scale railing set for the USS Ticonderoga. With respect to Big Eds, we have the usual quartet, the F-15E and P-47D-25 n 1/32nd scale, and the B-26F/G Marauder and Ju 88C-6 in 1/72. I will not take up any more of your time. The January newsletter will be very, very long, as usual, with all the news, plans and preparations for 2008. We want be very active, more than this year, and I think you know many of our plans already. We will still be bringing you a surprise this new year, once again! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! Vladimir Sulc NOVEMBER 2007 RELEASES / AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1st, 2007 US RETAIL (SA) = self adhesive KITS 2106 L-39 Albatros DUAL COMBO 1/72 $29,95 7073 Nieuport Ni-23 DUAL COMBO 1/72 $24,95 8082 Albatros D.II 1/48 $24,95 8512 LUFTWAFFE 1944 1/48 $12,95 GAVIA KITS 015/0907 Albatros D.I 1/48 $36,95 PE-SETS 1/350 SHIPS
53030 USS CV-14 Ticonderoga 1/350 Trumpeter $54,95 1/35 AFV 36006 M-1A2 Abrams SEP Dragon 3536 $22,95 36010 LVT-2 Amtrack Italeri $24,95 36013 LVT-2 Amtrack floor plate Italeri $12,95 36014 LVT-2 Amtrack louver bulkhead Italeri $12,95 36015 Stryker additional armour Trumpeter $24,95 1/32 AIRCRAFT 32171 P-39D Airacobra exterior Special Hobby $12,95 32178 P-39D Airacobra undercarriage Special Hobby $22,95 32180 P-39D Airacobra landing flaps Special Hobby $24,95 1/32 AIRCRAFT (COLOR) 32595 P-39D Airacobra interior (SA) Special Hobby $24,95 32605 F-14 Tomcat placards (SA) Tamiya $9,95 1/48 AIRCRAFT 48575 Lavochkin La-5 FN landing flaps Zvezda $14,95 1/48 AIRCRAFT (COLOR) 49386 Lavochkin La-5 FN (SA) Zvezda $19,95 1/72 AIRCRAFT (COLOR) 73283 Sea Fury FB.II (SA) Trumpeter $22,95 73288 He 177 Greif with HS 293 (SA) Revell $24,95 ZOOMS 1/48 AIRCRAFT (COLOR) FE386 Lavochkin La-5 FN interior self adhesive Zvezda $7,95 1/72 AIRCRAFT (COLOR) SS283 Sea Fury FB.II self adhesive Trumpeter $6,95 SS288 He 177 Greif self adhesive Revell $6,95 1/35 AFV MASKS TP522 German SS Panzer Ranks WWII $7,95 TP526 German SS Artilery Ranks WWII $7,95 TP527 German SS Infantry Ranks WWII $7,95 CX200 Wellington Mk.I 1/72 Trumpeter $7,95 CX202 Me 262A Schwalbe 1/72 Academy $4,95 EX230 MH-60G Pave Hawk 1/48 Italeri $7,95 EX231 Fw 190A-5/A-8 1/48 Hasegawa $5,95 EX232 Fw 190A-4 1/48 Hasegawa $5,95 EX233 F-16CJ Block 50 1/48 Tamiya 61098 $7,95 JX072 Spitfire Mk.Vb 1/32 Hasegawa $6,95 XT147 Hetzer wheel masks 1/35 Tamiya $7,95
BIG-ED sets BIG3547 MARDER III Ausf.H DRAGON $39,95 BIG3257 UH-60L BLACK HAWK 1/35 ACADEMY $42,95 BIG4888 F-16CJ BLOCK 50 TAMIYA $52,95 BIG4889 FULMAR Mk.I MPM $36,95 AVI PRINT - DECALS-reprint AV72011 P-47D Thunderbolt Pt.2 $12,55 AV72013 P-47D & Francis Gabreski $12,55