Eduard of the Czech Republic had released a 1/35 scale photo etched (PE) upgrade designed for the Trumpeter SU-152 Late, kit #05568. This upgrade consists of two PE sheets packaged in a sturdy, cardboard-supported bag with a two-page instruction sheet.

I used Trumpeter’s SU-152 Early kit, #01571, for a few parts since I was already doing a review of it. There are only a couple differences between the early and late SU-152 and this kit would work on either quite well.

We get replacement parts for 16 areas on the SU-152. The first step is for the replacement of the plastic exhaust deflectors, but Trumpeter already includes a PE replacement in their kit of equal quality. A huge improvement over the kit parts are the two engine grilles on the rear deck. The kit comes with solid plastic parts with the screen and frames molded together. I built up one of these grille assemblies and included a photo of both. I must say that the PE assembly looks great, except the plastic kit part has better bolt details around the edges. There are new front fenders, mantle cover, grab handles, and a fender box.

If you want to open the engine hatches, there are four PE parts to add to the interior of these hatches. We also get replacement clamps for the axe and aiming stakes, periscope covers for the top of the superstructure, and brackets for the horn and headlight, along with a wiring harness for both. There are four extra fuel tanks on the SU-152 and we get replacements for the mounts, straps, and handles. This really improves these tanks and gives us the opportunity to correct a kit defect with the tank ends not fitting well. I built up one of these as the photo shows. The fuel tank handles are great since the kit’s are badly molded.

The overall quality of the parts is excellent. They are easy to bend into shape. A nice touch is different size bolt holes etched around the edge of the PE sheet. I assume this is for creating your own bolt details.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample copy and IPMS for the opportunity to review it.