Tamiya's Douglas Skyraider has understandably remained very popular since it was released almost 25 years ago. It's very good value for money and builds into an impressive model that will more than hold its own in any line-up. But there's always room for improvement and Eduard have stepped up to give this vintage kit a welcome boost with a new set of Brassin wheels.

The set arrives in a tough end-opening packet with the parts sealed in two zip-lock bags. It comprises new resin mainwheels and tailwheel, plus a 3D-printed tailwheel leg and a set of painting masks.

The wheels are mounted on casting blocks and the attachment points form slight "flats" which, along with subtle bulges on the sidewalls, will create a realistic weighted look. The Brassin mainwheels are excellent,  featuring crisply defined hubs which sport a lot of extra detail over the kit originals, Goodyear logos and text on the sidewalls, along with much better-defined treads. 

The solid-tyre tailwheel itself is a simpler affair, but it's cast complete (unlike the kit wheel) and the 3D-printed gear leg is simply exquisite, totally eclipsing the original Tamiya part.

The separate tailwheel will make painting simpler, and to make this even more straightforward Eduard include a sheet of die-cut washi-tape masks for all the wheels. These are designed to fit around the hubs, so you'll need some liquid mask (not provided) to protect the tyres from overspray. (You could try reversing the masks - i.e. masking the hubs, not the tyres - but the prominent raised details on the mainwheels will complicate this approach.)

Eduard include a clearly illustrated sheet of instructions, and experienced modellers should have no problems. However, for the sake of newcomers to working with 3D-printed parts, it would have been helpful if they'd included a diagram showing how to remove the delicate tailwheel leg from its "cat's cradle" of stalks. The instructions carry colour matches for Gunze Sangyo paints.

Conclusion

Eduard's new Skyraider wheels set is an excellent addition to their Brassin range, and will give a noticeable and worthwhile boost to the Tamiya kit.

Item #648760 is available now from Eduard - Price: £4.09

Many thanks to Eduard for the review sample.

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