1/32
scale Verlinden set 1691 A-10 Detail set
We have been graced with a couple of review samples direct from Verlinden and
I am grateful for the chance to review them here.
What
follows is an out of the box review but I have every intention of building
both sets into the Trumpeter A-10 when I build it. When I do I will re-write
the reviews so as you can get an even better feel for what you are going to
get for your money!
This set appears to be a similar one to their previous set in 1/48 scale. It
comes in the standard verlinden box and is mostly cast grey resin with
additional details from etched brass The instructions state that some
trimming may be required to make it fit. You will actually need to do some
surgery in order to get this set to fit, namely the removal of a couple of the
panels around the nose section.
Main
components are a new avionics and battery compartment which will require some
of the forward section of the fuselage to be opened up. These are well
detailed parts that match the photo's in the Verlinden lock on Book on the
A-10,(Number 10) they will require some additional wiring and careful painting
to get the most from them. All of the detail is crisp and sharp with some well
defined undercuts. Minimal casting blocks are well placed leaving the
modeller with no area which to clean up if the parts are removed close to the
mark with a razor saw. Several of the etched parts go into these sections and
the bay doors are also replaced with new ones provided within the etched brass
fret.
Next is
the Gun bay cover which is cast resin with relief detail on both sides. To go
in the bay itself and represent the missing ammo link guides is an etched part
which will require some careful folding. Even the ladder bay gets a new cover
from brass with all of the appropriate detail. Although not shown on the box
cover photo there is a replacement gun muzzle cover which will require the
modeller to hollow out the part. This is a welcome addition and will enhance
the external appearance of the gun whether you display it in the airframe or
separately. Finally there is a replacement angle of attack vane which simply
replaces the oversized one in the kit.
The
whole product arrived well wrapped and there was no damage to any part within.
The instructions are well illustrated and simple to follow making this
package well worth adding to your A-10 I would also recommend you get
hold of the Lock on book too. Well recommended to all A-10 modellers.
Set 1690 A-10 cockpit
This is
the second set we received and it is an essential addition for any one
wanting to build a top quality A-10.
The Trumpeter model has all of the lumps and bumps for the LASTE (Low-Altitude
Safety and Targeting Enhancement) and as such this included the GPS antenna
hump on the fuselage spine. It should be noted that these were not fitted to
the early A-10 and should be removed if you use this set unless you add ther
appropriate parts in the cockpit. These will need to be made from scratch as
this set is a pre LASTE Model.
This
set number 1690 deals with a complete replacement cockpit. The box art does
not do this set justice and it is only once you open the box that you find
what you get is a very complete and convincing full replacement cockpit. Cast
in the now familiar grey resin and etched brass all of the parts display crisp
sharp detail. There are some extra parts in the shape of some copper wire and
some soft pewter or lead foil for the seat belts. There are plenty of
undercuts on the large one piece cockpit bathtub and there was no signs of air
bubbles in any of the many parts. Not only is the bathtub replaced but also
the front instrument panel cover and the rear decking with all of the canopy
associated mechanics. The canopy too gets the treatment and a complete new
frame and Mirrors are there for you to use.
The
seat is an earlier Verlinden release and I must say it is very convincing with
the chance to really go to town on it , one area I liked was the separate seat
belts and buckles of the harness. The seat has some very convincing texture on
the cushions and a full etched brass ejector rail and frame which will
really enhance this seat. A new control stick rudder pedals and air
conditioning ducting are there too. The instrument panel is a nice mixture of
a single cast resin piece which will require the opening up of the bezels
(This is a simple task and is aided by the thinness of the flash which covers
them) and printed instrument faces. To the panel is added the printed backing
which will require some colour to be added with a fine paint brush. Once the
assembly is ready then a coat of your favourite gloss varnish will represent
the glass, alternatively you could use some thin acetate from behind for the
same effect There are lots of small parts cast in resin and etched brass which
will enhance the tub and seat well.
The
instructions are mainly written and this is supplemented with some drawings
which are helpful. I would recommend the use of the Verlinden Lock on as an
indispensable choice for the building and instillation of this set.
This
sert offers the modeller a good mixture of materials which are used the their
best effect where they best suit the individual part. The resin parts have
minimal moulding plugs and that will result in less time spent trimming and
cleaning up ready for installation. I have several other A-10 sets which use
similar materials but without doubt this is the best I have. This is a well
thought out set which should be strongly considered by all with experience of
aftermarket sets. All in all this is excellent and will be well worth the
money invested. It is the most complete cockpit set I have seen and you would
be well rewarded choosing this one over the others out there.
One
last thing in this box was a replacement gun muzzle which was not listed in
the instructions or described within the text. I am not sure if this is a
standard part but if it is then it is welcome and is described in the
previous review of set 1691.
Happy
Modelling,
John
