Eduard offers modelers a single fret photo etch detail set for the Special Hobby 1/32 Ki-27 kit. Set #32 864 provides parts for adding detail to the engine and the cockpit. The set includes a total of 42 pre-painted parts either to add something not in the kit, to replace some kit parts, and/or to enhance the ones that will be used. This set features Eduard’s self-adhesive backing to make installation easier.

Beginning at the front end, each of the nine cylinders of the kit’s plastic engine receives a pair of ignition wires and individual cylinder lubricating lines. Moving to the cockpit, the kit’s plastic instrument panel is completely replaced with four very nicely detailed components that are sandwiched together to simulate the panel’s relief. Then, there are six pieces to detail the floor and rudder pedals, pre-painted seat belts to replace the un-painted ones provided in the kit, and various sidewall details that include a multi-part throttle quadrant, radio panel face, and more. Everything is provided to make the cockpit busy enough in this scale.

As I noted in a previous review of Eduard self-adhesive photo etch sets, modelers not accustomed to working with photo etch detail parts featuring a self-adhesive backing may be challenged by this “convenience.” Eduard’s self adhesive PE sets can quickly demonstrate an unexpected tendency for the adhesive backed parts to anchor themselves in less than desired positions if care is not exercised when handling and positioning them. The instructions caution that you leave the entire photo etch fret on the backing paper as you separate each of the parts from the fret (I recommend you use a sharp #11 blade for that), and then handle each part you remove by its edges. Be careful you don’t inadvertently lay the part on an unwanted surface. It will stay there! Be sure to place the part lightly in the desired location (I recommend first placing one edge of the part along the edge of where it is to be located) and adjust its position carefully without pressing down on it. Then, once it’s in the proper location, just press it onto its new permanent home. But, please don’t believe the misprint in step 5 that says, after you have firmly pressed the part in place, “its location can be adjusted”…Eduard meant to say: “its location cannot be adjusted.”

If you are not comfortable working with self-adhesive parts, you can always place the entire fret face down on a flat surface and carefully…I repeat carefully…remove the adhesive with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol. Be sure you do not soak the painted side of the fret with too much alcohol. Just take your time and the adhesive will eventually come off.

After that, the photo etch parts can be placed and attached as usual, with superglue or contact cement. Regardless of whether you decide to go the self-adhesive route or the do-it-yourself adhesive route, care is the watchword. Just go slowly and make sure each part is in its proper location before the adhesive decides to bond it there.

I highly recommend this self adhesive PE set to anyone who wants to enhance a Special Hobby Ki-27 kit.

My thanks to Eduard Model Products and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.