MER

Eduard BRASSIN, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brad Fallen

Eduard's 1/48 BRASSIN Spitfire Vb Gun Bays are available online from Squadron.com

Eduard’s 1/32 Brassin Multiple Ejector Rack set was released at the same time as the Triple Ejector Racks I reviewed earlier this year (their catalogue numbers are sequential).  As with the TER, Eduard has also produced the MER in 1/48 and 1/72 scales – with Mark Davies reviewing the latter for Hyperscale in 2016.

Mark’s review was positive, but he also noted that Eduard’s instructions didn’t identify the type of MER featured in the set; Mark concluded that it most closely resembles a BRU-41/A Improved Multiple Ejector Rack (IMER).  

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The instructions for the 1/32 set are similarly vague.  While comprehensively addressing assembly and painting, they include no information about the rack itself.  This is potentially frustrating for modellers keen to select the right hardpoint for the aircraft they are modelling.  I agree with Mark that the featured MER is most likely a BRU-41/A.  However I would also like to reiterate Mark’s request that if anyone can help clarify this point, please either post in ‘Plane Talking’ or email me directly.

Gripe out of the way, this is a lovely set from Eduard, which builds up into three separate racks.  The rack bodies are single-piece castings, with a small block of excess resin at one end that you’ll need to remove.  (A small fret supplies photo-etched parts to add detail where the block had been attached.)  The racks are beautifully cast and – critically given their long, narrow shape – perfectly straight. 

Extra detail is then added to the racks in the form of ejector units, shoulder attachment blocks and airframe attachment lugs.  Two versions of the latter are supplied, so check your references to see which is appropriate for the aircraft you’re modelling.  Once again all of these parts are perfectly cast, but their small size means you’ll need to take care removing them from their casting blocks – particularly given that, so far as I can tell, no spares are provided.

You’ll also need to source several small lengths of wire to replicate various connections on the racks.

Eduard’s four-page instruction sheet includes a clear step-by-step assembly guide (with specific location details for the airframe attachment lugs), and a painting guide that refers to Gunze Sangyo colours. 

Once you’ve painted your racks, there is a small sheet of stencil decals that will help you add a final touch of authenticity.

Eduard’s 1/32 MER set will enhance any model you are building that was fitted with this style of rack – although the lack of specific type information in the instructions means your research in this area will need to be a bit more thorough than usual. Nonetheless, highly recommended.

Thanks to Eduard for the samples and images.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2019 by Brad Fallen
Page Created 11 February, 2019
Last updated 11 February, 2019

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