White Ensign Models have produced a quite outstanding detail set designed to transform the old Airfix and Matchbox/Revell 1/72 scale Halifax kits into show-stoppers.

W.E.M.'s Halifax bomb-bay details arrive on a single huge etched brass fret - it really does have that "Wow! factor" when you open the large envelope and see the mass of golden parts. The fret contains over 150 parts for the main bomb-bay and the smaller wing cells and is accompanied by a 5-page set of A-4 instructions.

These days we're rather used to "international" instructions with diagrams seeking explain everything, to greater or lesser success - but, with a major conversion of this complexity, it's a real bonus to see that W.E.M. have gone for "old-style" full written instructions accompanied by clear diagrams. True, the full benefit is only available to English-reading modellers, but the well-written captions really do make a big difference.

To give some idea of the amount of detail contained in this set, there are almost 100 parts devoted to the structure of the main bomb-bay alone, with cross spars, longerons and bomb racks. Remember, this is 1/72 scale! - and with this much detail, it almost seems a crime to hide it all by adding a full bomb-load, but a bombing-up scene could look totally amazing.

The brass used is quite light gauge and it may be a good idea to mount the bomb-bay roof on some sheet styrene for extra rigidity - as it is, it will only build up any structural strength as the various frames and formers are added.

Conclusion

It should hardly need saying that this is a set designed for experienced modellers - but in the right hands, the results should be quite mind-blowing! For anyone looking to build the ultimate 1/72 Halibag, W.E.M.'s superdetailed bomb-bay and the accompanying interior detail set are thoroughly recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.