Eduard has come out with several photo etch sets for the 1/200 Scale, Merit, USS Hornet CV-8 (kit# 62001). This is Part 2 and includes several radar antennas to replace the kit parts. These new antennas simply step in and replace the undersize and under-detailed kit parts.

There are two sets to replace the forward- and aft-gun director antennas, one to replace the main search radar, and another to replace the main air search radar. You also get new doors, ladders and windows for the directors.

Assembly is straight forward but a tad fiddly. There are a bunch of tiny parts that need to be bent and shaped. The antennas for the directors require several complex bends that took a while to get the correct shape. Some of the small parts are hard to hold and glue at the same time.

The instructions are quite adequate to provide detailed information on part numbers and placement. They also call out which kit parts need to be deleted. There is some minor surgery required on the kit parts but nothing that is overwhelming.

All-in-all Eduard has come to the rescue with some very nice detail sets to improve an already very nice kit. I would only recommend this set to an experienced modeler who has worked with tiny photo etch. But if you bought the Hornet your already a glutton for punishment.

Thank you Eduard and IPMS USA for providing me the opportunity to review this sample and let the modeling community know it’s out there.

Have fun and enjoy.