introduction

The Tamiya Char B was much applauded when it was released a few months ago. It was the usual faultless Tamiya quality, but included only styrene, a Small length of chain, and a bag of individual track links. Room then for some much-needed photo etch! Eduard to the rescue!

the set

As most modeller's have agreed, the Tamiya Char B is a superb kit, and one that has been eagerly awaited for a long time. However, the limitations of injection moulding technology, couple with Tamiya's dogged resistance to throwing anything extra in the box, means that there is an opportunity for an aftermarket producer to produce an upgrade set. Hence this set from Eduard. The set is supplied on two frets, one large, one small. The usual Eduard instructions, clear and well-drawn, in this case run to 3 sides. The set begins with enhancements to the underneath of the lower hull in the form of a few small plates to cover up the holes curiously left by Tamiya. Also there a couple of angle brackets for the top of the hull sides, and also etched enhancements for the small rectangular structures on the hull top at the sides. As usual, Eduard have marked the locations on these for adding rivets or bolt heads.............check your references!

There are eight small access ports or grills running along either sides of the tank, that are replaced with multi-part assemblies by Eduard, which include an internal grill and new panel, giving the option of having them open or closed, a nice touch.

Aside from a multitude of small fixtures and fitting that are replaced by Eduard, and therefore imparting a more in-scale appearance to all these small parts, there are some really nice touches, for example, a small Renault name plate for the front of the tank, new exhaust brackets, and a choice of two different types of heatshield for the exhausts. If you fancy performing surgery, you also can replace some of the firring on the inside of the commander's hatch.

All the brackets on the hull sponsons are replaced, and there's a new photo etched saw too. In fact, there are so many small additions, I have no idea what they're all called! Examine the photographs of the instructions and you'll see that the set is fairly extensive.

conclusion

I can't wait to start installing this one. keep an eye out for a full build! Very highly recommended, and at a very reasonable price indeed!