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US 108 Gal Paper Tanks
(2 pcs)

Eduard BRASSIN, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number:

Eduard BRASSIN Item No. 648233 US 108gal paper tanks (2 pcs)

Scale:

1/48

Contents & Media

8 resin parts; photo-etched components and waterslide decals to build 2 108gal paper drop tanks. Parts are included to model either the early or late style tanks.

Price:

USD$9.71 plus shipping available online from Eduard

 

USD$9.71 plus shipping available online from Squadron

Review Type:

First Look.

Advantages:

Flawless resin casting; simple assembly; clear instructions and colour guide, waterslide decals included. .

Disadvantages:

Not a disadvantage per se, but assembly will require that you are reasonably comfortable working with photo etched parts. Photo-etch parts are included to represent fuel caps, and the plumbing necessary to fully rig these drop tanks. Eduard includes a small square of paper to protect the decals. In the review sample it adhered to the decals and could not be removed without damaging them. This isn’t the first time I’ve struck this problem with a Brassin set, Eduard may want to look at using a different type of paper.

Conclusions:

Beautifully cast parts that are a clear improvement on the most kit parts. Recommended.


Reviewed by David Harmer


Eduard's 1/48 US 108 Gal Paper Tanks are available online from Squadron.com

 

Background

 

To save strategic metals, the British developed a system of making laminated and glued paper drop tanks that would hold fuel. Due to the fact that the glues used would break down if fuel sat in the tanks for too-long, each tank was only ever used for one mission. There is a great image and some additional detail about the use of paper drop tanks here.

Paper drop tanks were often seen hanging under a P-51 or Thunderbolt (check your references)

 

 

FirstLook

 

As with other Brassin sets, the resin parts are beautifully cast and well detailed, capturing the corrugated appearance of paper drop tanks superbly. They will be considerably easier to assemble than the plastic parts provided in kits, as there will be no need to deal with difficult seams. 

 

  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale US 108 Gal Paper Tanks Review by Michael Drover: Image
  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale US 108 Gal Paper Tanks Review by Michael Drover: Image
  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale US 108 Gal Paper Tanks Review by Michael Drover: Image
  • Eduard BRASSIN 1/48 scale US 108 Gal Paper Tanks Review by Michael Drover: Image
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However, to get maximum benefit from this set you’ll need to be comfortable adding the various photo-etched parts included to represent the filler caps, metal bands attached to the drop tanks and plumbing.  I suspect I will use the etch parts intended to represent pipe work as a template for fine wire replacements. This will ensure the pipes have a round cross-section.

 

 

Conclusion

 

A matter of personal taste of course, but I think paper drop tanks look better than their metal counterparts. The elongated bullet shape makes the P-51 in particular look dead fast.

Recommended

Thanks to Eduard for the samples and images.

Review Text Copyright © 2016 by David Harmer
Page Created 8 August, 2016
Last updated 9 August, 2016

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