The release of the HobbyBoss B-24 Liberator was long overdue. While the Monogram kit is a nice kit, it was showing its age with raised panel lines and some fit issues. On the heels of their 1/32^nd kit of the same airplane, HobbyBoss released the 1/48^th scale kit. They fixed some issues such as the wings but one of the criticisms of the kit is the shape of the engine nacelles. That is where this set comes in.

This set is packaged in a large cardboard top opening box that saves all the parts. Inside the box are 92 parts, almost 100 parts of beautifully 3D printed grey resin. They are protected by foam inserts and bubble wrap, as well as, individual ziplock baggies and support structures around each part to prevent damage. I do suggest that you carefully remove the parts from the box and note how everything was packaged because it is a tight fit. Otherwise, you may not be able to get it to fit back in the box until you are ready. I experienced no breakage in my example

There is enough resin to do all four engines, including firewall, superchargers, engine mounts, both rows of cylinders, exhaust systems, magnetos and two sets of props with 12 blades each. You get to decide which type of propeller to use. ResKit labels them as early and late type. I take that to mean early is for the D and late is for the H and J, but check your references. Pay attention because depending on your version dictates which ‘acorn’ to use on the front.

The detail on all the parts is amazing, as expected. The engine ignition cables are there along with the cooling fins. The push-pull tubes for the front and rear cylinder banks are there as well. This is really good as the cowl flaps will be opened up and you’ll be able to see the rear of the engine through the opening.

The really time consuming part will be the removal of all the protective supports and the mounts. You must understand what to remove and what to leave. There are some small cowl actuators that could easily be cut off in error. If you have questions on how to remove 3D parts from the supports, there is a YouTube link on the ResKit webpage on how to work with the 3D parts.

Take care with the engines, because the inboard and outboard engines are built up slightly different in Steps 7 and 9. Don’t get them confused or they won’t fit the kit properly.

There is a small decal sheet for the props and engines included. The instruction booklet is very well illustrated and easy to follow and understand. There are no paint callouts, but a quick internet search can fix that.

You will have to cut off part of the kit cowlings, but it is clearly shown and the cut is an easy one.

ResKit continues to amaze me with their detail sets, accessories and figures. Everything fits perfectly, as long as you remove all the mount points, and the detail is amazing. This coming out of a country that is at war is even more astounding. The amount of sets that they churn out each month is nothing short of remarkable.

This set takes care of one of the biggest critiques of the HobbyBoss kit and adds a level of detail that is nothing short of amazing. ResKit continues to produce detail sets, accessories and figures that are well worth the price of admission. Once you see the finesse and detail you will wonder how you ever built a kit without it.

Highly recommended

Thanks to ResKit and IPMS/USA for the review copy. You can obtain yours by contacting them directly at www.reskit-models.com or your local hobby shop or online retailer. If you order directly from ResKit let them know you read about it here and consider making a donation to the war effort. There is a link to donate on the webpage.