Eduard

1/350 Tirpitz 'Big Ed' For the kit-Revell Tirpitz

Stock Number: 5307

Reviewed By  Dick Montgomery, IPMS# 14003

MSRP: Approx $74.95 Website: www.eduard.cz, Catalog Entry: Direct link to product The Box Eduard has packaged three of their individual sets of photoetched materials for the Revell 1/350 Tirpitz into a single offering. The Big Ed Tirpitz package, item # BIG5307, contains item # 17516, Figures Kriegsmarine WWII, item # 53042, Tirpitz railings, and item # 53043, a set of three sheets of photoetched detail parts. The Big Ed set is packaged in a sturdy cardboard envelop. Within the package, each of the three individually bagged sets of photoetch are further protected by cardboard sleeves inside each baggie that prevent damage to the product. My sample arrived in perfect condition. The Parts Item # 17516, Figures Kriegsmarine WII, is a small sheet of photoetch which contains 100 pre-painted figures. The figures are two-sided and fold so that each figure has a recognizable "front" and "back" side. The figures are decorated in various uniform configurations and include members of the ship's signal corps with flags in hand. The figures are backed with a self-sticking surface so that when the front and back halves are folded together there is no need for glue. Item # 53042, Railings, is a single sheet of photoetch. Some individual pieces are as long as 8 inches, while others are as short as ¼ inch. These pieces are cut to length according to the dimensions of the Revell kit. Of course, one would expect the railings for the main deck to be included, but also one will find railings for all of the various decks and platforms, as well as a large number of ladders and boarding equipment.

The Instructions The instructions are printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper and the illustrations are well drawn. Additional time spent studying the drawings will ensure that the builder will use the proper part and attach it in the proper location. The "legend" contains symbols for seven different actions, those being "application of a mask and painting prior to assembly", "Symmetrical assembly", "remove", "grind", "drill hole", "bend", "option (as in "use it if for a particular variant)", and "replace". It should be noted that not all of these actions are called for and not all are a necessary part of using an Eduard product. There are an additional four symbols for "original kit parts", "photo-etched parts", "parts to be removed", and "fill". These last four symbols use varied shades of gray highlight. I found these shades difficult to distinguish but, perhaps, a modeler with better eyesight (my sight is hampered by some eye damage) might be able to distinguish the shading with less difficulty. Regardless, if one studies the instructions carefully all will become clear. Conclusion Those with little time spent working with p.e. may want to gain some valuable experience by first building a smaller vessel and using only the handrail set before stepping up to the Tirpitz and the BigEd set. Its not a matter of difficulty so much as it is a matter of sheer numbers of parts to be applied. Having provided that one admonition it can be said that the quality of this product is unsurpassed in detail and ease of assembly. Eduard's parts are so much more detailed than the kit parts to be replaced that the finished model will be vastly improved. Eduard has engineered the parts in a logical manner so that the process of bending and shaping them is simple and direct. What's Out There? Eduard Item # 17516, Figures Kriegsmarine WWII, (included with the BigEd set being reviewed, but you may want more!) Eduard Item # 53042, Tirpitz railings Revell 1/350 Tirpitz, Item # 05096 Warship Pictorial #26, Kriegsmarine Tirpitz Tirpitz by Mini-Hobby # 809602 (Use the Revell kit for which this Big Ed set was designed.) What I Used The Hold and Fold by The Small Shop, www.TheSmallShop.com Zap a Gap Medium CA+ by Zap, a super-glue found at your favorite hobby shop. Zip Kicker by Pacer, found at your favorite hobby shop. Gator Grip Glue, an acrylic hobby glue, www.gatorsmask.com Recommendation I highly recommend this product. The quality is stunning and only surpassed by the massive number of bits and parts that one receives in this BigEd set. Eduard has provided the modeler with the ultimate pe set for the Tirpitz.