Reviewed by Brett Green

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It was one of those forehead-slapping moments.

I was reviewing the newly released Eduard photo-etched sets for Tamoya's venerable 1/48 scale Lancaster and I thought that these would nicely compliment the Belcher Bits Lancaster engine nacelles that I had reviewed a few years ago. I looked for the review but, to my surprise, I could not find it. It seems that in some fi of brain fade, I had put the conversion to one side and had not actually actually posted the review!

Ah well. Better late than never.

Tamiya's 1/48 scale Lancaster is a large and impressive kit, but it betrays its mid-1970's heritage through lack of detail. One of the areas that suffers is the engine nacelles.

Belcher Bits has addressed this shortcoming with a complete set of four replacement engine nacelles.

The main areas of improvement are the engine exhaust areas, with new separate exhuast stacks and optional flame dampers. Panel and structural detail is also much improved compared to the Tamiya kit parts.

Radiator face detail is also cast deep inside the lower intakes - an impressive piece of casting indeed. Various small scoops and intakes completely missing from the Tamiya kit are cast in place on the Belcher Bits nacelles.

The inclusion of separate air outlet doors will permit the modeller to pose them open position, the most common position when the aircraft was on the ground.

Casting quality is very high. The smaller parts are surrounded by fine flash, but this will quickly be removed with a sharp hobby knife.

The instructions are very good, with construction text and various diagrams.

Belcher Bits' 1/48 scale Lancaster engine set will deliver a noticeable improvement to your big Tamiya kit in this prominent area.

Highly Recommended.

Text and Images Copyright © 2007 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 06 April, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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