Avia B.534 Series III Detail Set & Mask

Eduard, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Eduard’s 1/72 Blenheim MK.I Interior S.A. is available online from Squadron.com

Both of the items reviewed here are intended for Eduard’s recently released Weekend Edition of their B.534 III Kit. I took a “first look” at the Weekend Edition of the very similar B.534 IV Serie kit here on HyperScale in June this year.

For many Eduard is a brand name synonymous with superb quality, and this is certainly the case with the review items, from their packaging and instructions, to the actual components.

The PE set and masks both come packed with a card stiffener sealed in cellophane, along with printed instructions.  The instructions for each item are also downloadable in as PDF’s from Eduard’s website. To view these please click on the linked part-numbers SS527 for the PE detail set, and CX416 for the mask.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and this adage certainly applies to this “first look”. The Eduard’s CAD illustrations, my image of the actual PE set, and the downloadable instructions should provide readers with almost all they need to about the contents and their intended placement.

The PE detail set, SS527 offers some obvious enhancements over the kit parts. There are new radiator and oil cooler faces (the kit uses decals for these), a very nice instrument panel and seat harness, replacement bomb-fins and various small details like a pitot and boarding step.

Eduard masks are very handy to have, especially for complex cockpits. However, in this case the masks cover the simple windscreen and wheels, or just the small areas of wheel-rim not covered by the spats. The pre-cut masks are undoubtedly easier to use than making your own, but I would hang on to your money in this instance.

It is worth noting that that Eduard have yet to announce any Profipack Editions of their B.534 kits, which would normally include PE detail sets and masks etc at a price below that of the Weekend Edition kit and individual detail sets combined. Only the Quattro Combo Royal Edition boxing currently includes the detail sets and kits together. (I reviewed the Royal Edition here on HyperScale in June this year). Clearly, holding off releasing Profipack Editions of the B.534 provides Eduard with a chance to sell more accessories at their full price.
Readers may be interested some other accessory sets Eduard also offers for their new B.534 kits:

• 672069 Bombs & Racks. Six resin bombs with integral racks.

• 72602 Wires & Stretchers.  PE rigging wires and their anchor points.

• 672066 Wheels and Spats. Resin spats with integrally cast wheels.

• S73029 Superfabric Seatbelts. Very fine and flexible seatbelts.

Both the PE detail set and mask are of excellent quality. Whilst the PE set will undoubtedly enhance its intended Weekend Edition kit, this is the first instance where I have questioned the value of an Eduard mask. There is nothing wrong with the mask’s usefulness, but because so little of the intended kit needs masking, I have to question its worth. Some may view canopy and wheel masks as luxury items, but in this case there can be no doubt; as I think it borders on the frivolous.

I happily recommend the PE detail set to all, and the mask to those whom money is not an issue.    

Thanks to Eduard for the samples and images.

Review Text Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
Page Created 11 September, 2015
Last updated 9 November, 2015

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