One of the latest releases from Eduard in their still relatively new Brassin line are a pair of wheels meant to replace the kit provided ones in the Tamiya 1/32 scale F4U-1 Corsair. Consisting of six resin parts and a set of masks to aid in airbrushing the wheels and tires, the set can be used to dress up the appearance of the Tamiya kit, especially for modelers that do not like using rubber tires on their kits.

This set consists of resin tires with center sections molded in that have inner sections added to the landing gear side, and covers added to the outer side. The Tamiya kit provides outer covers that have hollow reliefs, while the Eduard covers have filled reliefs, but looking at the backside, these could easily be filed and/or sanded to become hollow. I have only started looking at my references for whether these were actually hollow or not, and have yet to find a definitive photograph. Assembly and installation instructions are provided on the inside of a bi-folded sheet of paper that include the calling out of only two Gunze paint colors, Tire Black and White

I have yet to find measurements for the real Corsair tires, but I can tell you that the Eduard tires are slightly narrower than the kit provided rubber tires. As shown in a photograph, the Brassin inner wheels will align perfectly with the Tamiya landing gear, as the same layout is present as with the plastic parts. As an added bonus, circular masks are provided that allow for airbrushing the wheels and tires, and prevent the need to hand paint the tires after the wheels are airbrushed.

My hits for this set would include the representation of the diamond-tread tires used on the Corsair cast in resin with fine detail that includes the “Firestone” name. I have not yet experienced an adverse reaction between rubber tires and plastic wheels, although I have seen examples of this, and I do know modelers that prefer the use of resin to rubber tires. As mentioned previously, the masks are a nice addition to the set, and the outer covers can be left filled, or can easily have open reliefs. I have no misses to report on this particular set.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this Eduard wheel set to modelers who are looking to replace the rubber tires offered by Tamiya with some beautifully cast resin replacements. There should be no fit up issues when installing the Brassin wheels and modelers with some experience in working with resin parts should find it easy to utilize the wheels.

I would like to thank the folks at Eduard for graciously providing these wheels to the IPMS-USA for review and to Dave Morrissette for allowing me to receive this set. I would also send kudos out to the assistants in the Review Corps for the great job they do in keeping the Corps running strong and as always, my appreciation to anyone who takes the time to read my comments.