Cutting Edge Modelworks

1/32 A-10 Exterior Detailing Set

Product # CEC32061 for $23.99

Product Article by Steve Filak on Sept 28, 2005

 

 

 

This resin set from Cutting Edge Modelworks is a complete exterior update/detail set for the Trumpeter 1/32 A-10.  

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WHAT YOU GET:

Loads of exterior detail parts!  Unless I miss my count, there are 45 parts in total.  These include, but are not limited to: new exhausts which properly capture the 'banana' shape of the A-10's exhausts, LASTE sensors, main gear rear sponsons with chaff/flare dispensers, refuelling door for left main gear sponson, wing fences, GAU-8 gun muzzle and barrel clamp, fuel dump pipe, TACAN antenna, APU intake/exhaust parts, and more.  This set goes a long way toward correcting the exterior of the Trumpeter kit.  Although there are a lot of parts with this set, assembly appears to be fairly straighforward.  Still, Cutting Edge lists this set as being "for experienced modelers only".  Note also that only some of these parts will be adaptable to the A-10 N/AW (2-seater), since much of the updated equipment was not fitted to this aircraft.  However, if you're doing a "what-if" two-seater, then have at it.

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There is a small amount of flash to clean up on some of the parts, but this is a piece of cake for anyone who has any experience with resin.  Other than that, all parts were present and accounted for, unbroken, and well cast with no voids, short shots, or bubbles in any of the parts of this set.  The parts themselves are impressive, and are replete with fine detail.  Of particular interest is the exhaust replacements.  With these parts in place, the resin engines can be omitted from the model if the builder chooses to do so.  This will elminate a lot of weight in the back of the aircraft, and if you're not interested in displaying the engine nacelles open, this is a real time-saver as well, since you won't have to install, paint, and detail the resin engines provided with the kit.

In addition, Cutting Edge provides a comprehensive instruction sheet with two sides printed front-to-back.  These instructions will guide you through the entire installation of the update set with little difficulty.  Numerous photographs on the sheet serve as installation/placement diagrams, and if you follow the text and photos, you can't go wrong.

If you're looking for a comprehensive set to detail the exterior of your Trumpeter Hog, look no further.  Doesn't look as though much was missed in this set, and it will spruce up your A-10 quite nicely.  I would like to thank Cutting Edge Modelworks for providing me with this review sample.

Click on images below to see instruction sheets

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Filak, Sr.