When you are building the Eduard 1/48th scale Bf-109s, you are struck by the quality of the plastic parts. But, like any kit, there are limitations that plastic can do. Resin is the answer in many instances. In this case, Eduard, the manufacturer of the kit, does the work for you. This does a couple of things – first, it ensures that the parts are going to fit the kit they were designed for. I like this concept. Secondly, these parts take less time to make a big difference over the kit parts. I’m all about being able to build faster.

Packaged in a sturdy plastic carton are two resin wheels, two spoke assemblies, and one tail wheel assembly. The resin is perfectly cast in light grey and dark grey resin with no blemishes or air bubbles. Also included but hidden in the packaging are masks for the wheels.

The instructions are quite colorful and helpful when putting this set together. The hardest part is actually cutting the spokes off the pour block. I did not have any issues tackling this with a fine JLC razor saw and a quick swipe with sand paper. Assembly was easy enough with some super glue. The rest of the pour blocks are easily removed and present no problem. The wheels have the proper strengthening strips and relief. The kit parts are missing this relief because of the limitations of plastic injection.

The tail wheel assembly is nicely done with the canvas boot installed and the fasteners attached, which are missing on the plastic offering.

There is a mask for all the wheels made out of kabuki tape. This has the added benefit of allowing you to add the whitewall to the tail wheel, should you elect to do that. Just paint the wheel off-white, apply the mask, and paint the wheel flat black. Easy.

For a mere $8, you don’t have to fiddle with the PE parts on the plastic version for the brake area and you get a superior-looking wheel. There is no hassle attaching it to the kit as it is designed for the Eduard kit, and fit on the axle was snug enough that you really don’t need to add glue. I did, though. Note that the instructions show you the proper position of the wheels on the axle, which is lacking on the kit.

High quality resin, easy engineering, superior look, and no need to play with photo etch parts. The masks are a nice touch. Overall, a great product. Now, if Eduard would just do a Brassin Wheel Well insert for the kit – so you didn’t have to bend the PE to get the canvas covers – I’d be in hog heaven.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Eduard and IPMS/USA for the review copy.