Avro Lancaster Detail Set

Voyager, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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Voyager has built a reputation for producing very comprehensive multimedia detail sets for armour kits.

Now, they have turned their hand to detailing model aircraft, and what a remarkable debut offering they have delivered.

The enigmatic plain white box is literally brimming with resin and brass parts for Hasegawa's 1/72 scale Avro Lancaster kit.

Voyager's 1/72 scale Avro Lancaster Upgrade and Detail Set comprises 47 parts cast in cream coloured resin; 1 part in clear resin; 20 solid brass rings; 11 photo-etched frets; 1 length of brass rod plus two folded instruction sheets and a narrow page of colour photographs.

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The resin parts are all beautifully detailed and perfectly cast, with recessed panel lines where appropriate to match the Hasegawa kit. They include new wheels, engine nacelle scoops, radio gear and other equipment for the cockpit and structural features for the interior.

All the machine guns are replaced with delicate resin items which are perfectly hollowed out at the muzzle - very impressive.

A full replacement set of positionable tail surfaces and ailerons are also supplied in resin. These include slots and tabs, so aligning and installing these parts should present no problems.

All resin parts are cast onto their blocks via very thin strips. These should only take a few minutes in total to remove and clean up.

Photo-etched parts are contained on a remarkable eleven frets. Some of these are quite large, including complete flaps and flap wells. Photo-etched parts also add detail to the wheel well (and inside the wings), the bomb bay, cockpit interior, gun turrets and control surface actuators.

By far the most impressive aspect of this set (and most noticeable when the model is finished) is the flaps. These are exquisitely detailed, with every rib and rod present and correct.

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Another nice touch is the inclusion of 20 solid brass rings for the tails of the bombs.

The set is rounded out with markings for the famous 467 Sqn RAAF Lancaster, S Sugar. Two sets of markings are supplied for depicting the aircraft at different periods. The decals are very well printed and in perfect register. A thoughtful touch is the inclusion of a set of silk screen white backing decals - a sensible precaution with the very camouflage of the model.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Instructions are supplied on two doubel sided and folded sheets. These are colour coded and, although complex, can be followed with care.

A narrow strip of colour photographs illustrating some of the parts installed on the finished model is also supplied.

Hasegawa's 1/72 scale Lancaster is undoubtedly a nice kit, and in most respects a big improvement over the 30 years + Airfix offering.

Voyager's Upgrade set will add a universe of extra detail to all the areas that really need it, especially the cockpit, flaps and bomb bay. The all-new positionable control surfaces are very welcome too.

Take note that this set will be appropriate for experienced modellers only. The sheer number of parts alone will test patience and skill. In addition, many of the parts are very small, requiring a delicate touch and good organisational skills to get them all neatly in place. However, with care, preparation and test-fitting, the result will be a truly stunning model.

Voyager's debut release is very impressive. I look forward to seeing what Voyager has in store for us next!

Highly Recommended to experienced modellers.

Thanks to Voyager Model for the sample

Aires accessories and conversions are available online from Aires website
and in retail model shops worldwide

Review Copyright © 2007 by Brett T. Green
This Page Created on 23 March, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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