Mk.82 Bombs

Eduard BRASSIN, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brad Fallen

Eduard's 1/48 scale Mk82 Bombs are available online from Squadron.com

The Mk.82 general-purpose 500 lb bomb has been a standard item of US ordnance for more than half a century.  Its comparative lack of precision as an unguided weapon is countered by its low unit price (less than US$300) and adaptability to meet specific mission requirements. Mk.82 components also feature prominently in more advanced, guided weapons systems such as the GBU-12 and GBU-38.

The Mk.82’s ubiquity as a stores option on modern and recent US and allied military aircraft makes this 1/48 Brassin release from Eduard particularly welcome.  Injection-moulded Mk.82 bombs aren’t rare; however, the limitations of the medium mean they are usually moulded in two halves that must be carefully aligned, glued and sanded.  While Eduard’s Mk.82’s are also multi-part, they are cast as three separate components – body, fins and fuse – which after clean up should fit together neatly with no visible join or seam.  The instructions clearly show how to achieve this.

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Production quality is high, with a tiny pinhole on one of the fin units the only flaw I could find.  Raised and recessed details are present as appropriate, and the fins are thin and unwarped.  The fuses are more detailed than would be possible if they were injection moulded, although interestingly Eduard has decided not to provide additional photo-etched details here (as they have with their Brassin 1/48 US bomb sets).  Three varieties of fuse are provided, so check your references to make sure you use the right ones for the bomb-load you’re modeling.

Stencils and bomb rings are provided on a small decal sheet.  While the stencil decals in the review sample aren’t legible, they will add colour and authenticity to the finished bombs.  A colour painting and decal placement guide shows how to accomplish this – although again I recommend checking your references, because Mk.82 colours and markings have changed over the decades.

Sufficient parts and decals are provided to complete six bombs.  Only standard fin units are supplied; if you want Mk.82 Snakeyes (with high-drag fins) you’ll need to look elsewhere for now, although hopefully these will be added to the Brassin catalogue before too long.

This Brassin set will be very useful for anyone wanting to improve the look of the ordnance attached to their modern or recent US and allied aircraft models – highly recommended.

Thanks to Eduard for the samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2013 by Brad Fallen
Page Created 12 July, 2013
Last updated 12 July, 2013

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