This next new photo etch set from Platz is probably more welcome than the one reviewed yesterday. This one is for the old Hasegawa/Mania 1/72 Ki-48 Lily, so far the only 1/72 kit produced of this aircraft. While the kit is pretty old (coming from the early 1970s), it is still very nicely done and really only lacking in an interior to help bring it up to specs. Now we have one.

This color etched set is made by Eduard in the Czech Republic so you know that the quality is there. Not surprisingly, most of the set is for the interior and includes proper seats, a myriad of instrument and control box faces as well as seat belts and rudder pedals. Most of these radios will need to have boxes made for them out of sections of 2mm plastic card, but the instructions show all that is needed. There are also sights for the guns and oleo scissors amongst some of the exterior bits. The instructions are very well done and show precisely where all the bits and pieces are to fit. It isn't so involved as to put off the new user and these sorts of sets are perfect for those who want to start working with p.e.

It is an excellent set that will surely add a lot to your next build.

November 2010

My thanks to www.platz-hobby.com for the review set.

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