Monogram's 1/48 scale B-26 Marauder is a nice kit (see the review of the Revell reboxing here
). However it was released in the late 70' and misses details in some places. Eduard have recently released a serie of photoetched references to improve the kit and the next in the line is the B-26 Marauder interior set
Eduard's new B-26 Marauder interior set comes in the standard packaging of the Czech manufacturer: a resealable plastic bag with cardboard sheets to prevent the metal sheetings from damage. The set is composed of four photoetched frets (of which one is pre-painted), a very small acetate sheet and the A4 sized instructions.
B-26 Marauder interior FE372 49372
This is the only pre-painted fret in this reference and contains the parts for the instrument panel and the central console. The latter will probably represent a difficult challenge with it's 16 tiny levers!
B-26 Marauder interior part1
This fret is mainly composed of parts for the forward cockpit: pilot and navigator seats (with complete frame), rudder pedals, sidewall details, bulkhead details, machine guns, ammunition belts etc...
The detailed seats will require some carefull bending, especially the mounting frames which appears to be very fragile.
B-26 Marauder interior part2 and part3
Fret two and three are mainly dedicated to the various gunner positions of the aircraft. There are the following items: machine guns, ammunition belts, detailed side windows, central ammunition rack etc...
The ammunition belts are looking very nice but this is nothing compared to the complete ammunition rack which will look fantastic once finished. I just hope it will be visible through the side windows. Eduard have provided an acetate sheet with replacement glazings to improve things here. I didn't said it before but this is the typical photo etched reference for which you will need a good folding tool, some parts needing precise multiple folding.
The instructions are printed on an A4 paper sheet. The plastic parts which have to be removed on the original kit are clearly indentified with a red color while the PE parts are represented in blue. In fact my only complaint is that the instructions don't show how some parts must be folded to obtain the final result that can be seen on the drawings.
This is a very nice set which will allow an experienced modeler to detail the interior of Monogram's Marauder and considerably improve the look of it. I recommend it to anyone wanting to upgrade the venerable B-26 model.
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