Although the Trumpeter 1:32 scale Curtiss P-40M cockpitis nicely detailed, these two detail sets from Eduard will add that extra detail that is so difficult to replicate convincingly.

33282 - P-40M Zoom - 1:32

There are around forty-one parts in this Zoom set with twenty seven pre-painted. Before you start a some of the plastic moulded detail needs removing. These areas are indicated in red in the instructions. There area few unpainted parts that need folding to create box structures as well as various levers. A big bonus is the addition of the placards. Although the words printed on them are not legible, they look very convincing.

The instrument panel is made up from three parts. If you look at the images the part with the instrument faces with the textured paint surface is the backing onto which the instrument panel face is placed. So the textured painted surface won’t be seen. The instrument faces and detail looks excellent as does the main switch panel underneath.

The PE parts for the right sidewall include the rotary canopy handle, as well as various radio controls

The PE parts for the left sidewall include the throttle,mixture and flap levers as well as the trim.

PE rudder pedals are also included though you might want to replace the kits plastic square section pedal supports for stretched sprue.

Instruction are printed on a A4 sheet and are generally very clear. There’s no instruction on folding the various box like forms, but it really isn’t difficult to figure out.

33283 - P-40M Seatbelts STEEL - 1:32

Although the Trumpeter kit contains a unpainted photo etched fret with seat belts, they are quite thick and problematic. This alternative from Eduard provides more subtle and painted alternative. There are seven parts five of which are pre-painted. The stitching and the texture in the fabric looks very authentic.

Conclusions

With aircraft models probably the most important area to detail is the cockpit and it’s even more so in 1:32 scale. These two Zoom sets from Eduard will go a long way to help supplementing the good detail that is afeature of the kit.

33282 - P-40M Zoom - 1:32

33283 - P-40M seatbelts STEEL - 1:32

Our thanks to Eduard for this review sample

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