TBF-1/TBM-3 Landing Flaps

Destined to the Hobby Boss 1:48 scale Avenger kits, Eduard's photo etched Landing Flaps set comes in the usual plastic pouch of the Czech Manufacturer. The set is composed of two rather large PE frets which are protected by two cardboard sheets to prevent them from damage. A small A5 size construction notice is included as well.

The number of the parts is relatively low (14 in total) and I expect that building these flaps won't take more than a couple of hours. Of course, dedicated tools are needed (like flat pliers or a proper PE bending tool) as well as Cyanoacrylate cement (Super Glue) to get the best out of this set.

The low number of parts doesn't mean that the level of detail is basic, to the contrary, once assembled, there is nothing that can look closer to WWII aircraft flaps than those Eduard renderings... except for real flaps of course. From experience, I know that these sets are cleverly engineered and that they need a minimal amount of glue during the assembly. There is no reason to flood the parts with Cyanoacrylate cement to keep them together as this will eliminate the fine detail on the metal's surface. In most cases, the capilarity action of liquid CA glue is only what is needed to keep the pieces together.

Of course some parts of the original kit will have to be removed but this is cleary explained in the instructions. In most cases the stigmates on the model will be hidden by the new metal parts, so it won't represent a too difficult task to blend them in.

Conclusion

Eduard's TBF-1/TBM-3 Landing Flaps will constitute a very nice addition to every Hobby Boss Avenger. If you want to display your aicraft with the flaps down, there is no reason to hesitate as the PE parts represent a great improvment over the original kit parts. Highly recommended if you have the appropriate bending tools.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AeroScale.