Sincere appreciation from IPMS USA goes to Eduard for their having once again provided a sample copy of a long-awaited product, the Multiple Ejector Rack, and the usual wave of thanks to the IPMS USA leadership for ensuring I received it!

First off: when someone develops a B-52F/D for a Vietnam diorama, I’ll be ordering an extra two of these sets… because the external weapon pylons on some B-52’s used four of these!

The MER was developed along with TER’s to increase the number of weapons carried by A-4, F-4, A-6 and others… it uses many common parts with the TER to increase carry from three to six weapons.

This set contains 75 parts for three MER’s; the resin bodies and beams in two parts, Sway braces with ejector pins, Two types (early and late) MER hanging lugs and braces to put them on the aircraft carrying beams, and PE Switch plates to put in the hollow end of the MER itself. To finish, you are also provided with a small decal sheet.

A quick note here; others have made MER and TER sets, but Eduard has really pulled out the stops on this one. Detail of this nature was rare in the past. Every rivet, joint, screw and bolt is on the set.

This is not a time consuming addition to your kit; remove the end pour plug from the tail of the MER, gently sand the flash “bubble busters” and attachment point, then drill a 5/32” hole about 1/16 inch into the end of the rack. Remove the PE switch panel from the fret, use any method you can to transfer to part to the interior wall of the hole, previously having placed a drop of CA or white acrylic glue in the switch well which you just drilled. The drawings have you put two switches oriented to the top, one on bottom. As this is a MER, you also need to clean up the front TER section, and attach it to the beam with the Aft TER… for six weapon stations.

The next step is (for me) to remove the sway braces and bomb attachment/ejector pins gluing them into their sockets with the pins oriented in place. Last, measure and carefully cement the actual rail lugs on top of the TER, making sure you have them in the right place for the aircraft carry beam. Early lugs were just strengthening points to put the Bomb rack beam sway braces against; the improved version is like a large clamp, which strengthened the center-section as well as prevented the rack from torsional stress while in flight. The instructions are very specific here, so you should not have a problem.

Painting! I begin by spray priming all the parts with Tamiya spray white primer. Once dry, spray overall with gloss Duplicolor white (or black) or similar lacquer paint, let them dry, then decal. Last step is to manufacture electrical leads from lead or other wire, installing in the electrical base and the actual rack initiators at the back of the bomb racks themselves. Paint these black with silver or steel sockets.

A coat of flat and or satin overcoat, and you are finished, ready to hang weapons on your Big jet!

As stated earlier, this is a welcome and actually very accurate resin upgrade for those willing to go the extra mile. Although others have attempted to put out similar items, Eduard finally got it correct.

Another fine product from Eduard’s stable; Thanks to them for extending the lead, and again to my bosses in IPMS for trusting me to produce in a timely manner…