Eduard

1/72 "Big Ed" Set For the Revell Gato Class Submarine

Stock Number: BIG5301

Reviewed By  Dave Morrissette, IPMS# 33653

MSRP: $79.95 Web Site: www.eduard.cz Eduard makes the some of the finest PE in the world. While most people associate it with armor and aircraft, don't be fooled, their sets for ships are excellent. One of their latest is the "Big Ed" set for the Revell Gato Class sub which is reviewed here . Eduard's "Big Ed" are combinations of other sets at a discounted price. In this case, the three sets included in Big Ed are: Gato Class submarine details Gato Class fuselage (sic) hinge plates Gato Class floor plates (sic) The normal retail for these is $114.85 so there is a very nice savings if you want to purchase the entire set. It also comes in a very sturdy shipping package.

Let's take a look at the three sets. First, we can take a look at the Gato Class detail set 53023. This includes one fret of relief engraved photoetch which provides added detail to the entire ship. This set is similar to many other Eduard sets- many small, well detailed, relief etched parts. Much of the set modifies or replaces the conning tower. The two largest parts are the conning tower decks. There are also parts to add detail to the drains, hatches, supports for the bell and lights and many others. There are many parts requiring precise bends and a Etchmate or similar bender will really help. There is new radar, stanchions for the CT railings and even the periscope. The set doesn't stop there- there is a complete set of add on parts for both deck guns, a replacement ladder and photoetch enhancements for the bottom flooding holes. Last, there are two sets of PE numbers for the depth markings. A very nice and comprehensive set which requires minimal surgery and yields great results.

The second set is listed as 53029, Gato Class fuselage hinge plates. Alright, it is not a fuselage; it's the hull- minor detail. This set consists of two large frets who replace the entire sides of the hull above the ballast tanks from the front flooding holes to almost the back end of the sub. Both sides naturally. The highlight here is that the parts are relief etched and include excellent detail of seams and rivets. There are five parts to each side. There will be some bending required as the side bend in towards the top but not too much work here.

The last set is Eduard number 53028 and is a complete replacement for the decks on the hull. This consists of four very large relief etched pieces and a few small detail pieces. This set will take some surgery. First, the existing decks will have to cut out carefully and then certain parts such as the front hatch will need retained. To support the decks, Eduard recommends that plastic supports be cut and glued from 2x2mm square Plastruct every 1/4 inch or so- that means cutting and adding a whole lot of supports. The goal is to have the decks sit level with the outside and flush against the "hinge plates". The PE decking is superb and will make this a real competition winner but will take some work to get fit. In summary, the "Big Ed" set for the Gato is a winner and recommended. I would say that the hinge plates and basic detail set can be installed by anyone with minimal PE experience. To install the decking is not hard but will require experience test fitting and scratch building parts while handling delicate PE parts. I would like to thanks Jana Sulcova and Eduard for the excellent opportunity to review this set.

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