Review

The US Telephone Switchboards – BD71 and BD72 kit from Plus Model, makers of 1/35th scale resin kits, conversion sets and accessories since 1990, is a 1/35th scale cast resin and photo etch set depicting the WWII field deployed switchboard. This was an extremely heavy wooden encased radio switchboard often accompanied by heavy file storage unit and side table. The BD 71 had a twelve line switchboard while the BD72, or also known as the SS-22, had a 6 line capability.

The BD71 and BD72 kit has Thirty-five cast resin parts to construct the following:

• File Storage Table
• Side Table Attachment
• Two Chair
• One BD71
• One BD72 with leg stands
• One Field Phone Set
• One Wire Spool

Taking a close look through the parts of this kit, I noticed there is some flash which is typical from the resin casting process. For the most part this flash removes with the swipe of a finger, any residual flash will easily sand off. I only found one small bubble in the casting from this whole set. All of the pieces are cast very clean and have plenty of detail to compliment the two radio sets it is meant to depict.

Some of the smaller pieces, like the legs to the smaller radio unit, are extremely delicate and care should be taken when removing these parts form the casting blocks. With most of the parts a quick score with a sharp hobby blade is all that is needed to weaken the bond of the parts to the casting blocks.

As part of this set, there is a small sheet of photo etch parts. There are several small, delicate handles for the radios as well as carrying straps and two round ends for the included wire spool. Also, there are two sets of integral face plates for each Radio in the set. These two face plates are finely detailed and bring much eye candy these radios.

In addition to the resin parts and the photo etch sheet, Plus Model supplied the kit with one length of copper wire for use with the two chairs and the table legs as well as a short length of solder wire for use on the switchboards as connections.

Conclusion

The US Telephone Switchboard BD71 and BD72 kit will make an excellent addition to anyone’s diorama or vignette needing a field communications setup. The radios are finely detailed and are extremely close to looking like the actual field radio setups. The casting is crisp and even with the small amount of flash, easy to clean up and assemble. It would be advisable to have some experience working with resin and photo etch as the resin parts are a bit delicate when it comes to the radio stand and the straps intended for the carrying straps can be somewhat frustrating to assemble. With a little patience, this set will build up to a nicely detailed add-on for any WWII scene.