Brengun offers 1/72 model builders a way to add to the detail of the already highly detailed Tamiya A6M2 Type 22 Zero kit. Set BRL 72074 provides about 70 parts on a single photo-etch fret and two on a printed acetated sheet that will combine to enhance the cockpit and exterior details of the a/c. The photo below of the instruction sheet shows where the details are to be installed. Each of the small photo-etched parts is impressive. The detail is very crisp and well etched on nickel-plated metal.

The parts are packaged in a clear pouch stapled to a card to protect the fret. A folded instruction sheet, printed on one side, is attached behind the bagged fret. The instructions are easy to understand but are quite involved. Model builders familiar with using photo-etched detail parts will have no difficulty following them. Because of the delicate nature of all of the parts, however, those unfamiliar with handling and attaching photo-etch may find some of the small items a challenge…because they are small and require careful placement. A bit tedious…but rewarding, as the photo below from the BRENGUN website shows.

The parts can easily be separated from the fret with a sharp #10 or #11 x-acto blade. To avoid the likelihood that some small ones might launch themselves into outer space when separated from the fret, it may be a good idea to place the fret on a piece of low tack masking tape (read: drafting tape) before applying any pressure with a blade. Removing them with a set of pointed tweezers should then be a fairly easy task.

Because the material is metal, it is necessary to use superglue (CA) or epoxy cement to attach these parts to the kit’s styrene plastic

This set is highly recommended to model builders who wish to enhance their 1/72 scale A6M2 Zero with some impressive photo/etch details.

My thanks to Brengun for the review sample and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this detail set.