Part 3: The Build, completed

The Exterior Set includes everything from the fenders to individual tool latches. The tool latches are three-piece affairs, and patience is required. However, as is often the case, the tiniest details bring out the most visual interest.

You will be pleased to know that, unlike many PE details, this set does not require any annealing. Annealing generally means that you heat a metal piece to its malleability point, so that bending/rolling/etc. is easier. Eduard's' metal rarely, if ever, in my experience has required that. I can say, unequivocally, that I have NEVER annealed any Eduard PE. While most of Eduard's masks of current are the "kabuki paper type (think: Thin, laser-cut Tamiya tape), these wheel masks are of the black, self-adhesive vinyl type reminiscent of the "Black Magic" masks sold by Meteor Productions. That's fine, but when you mask the slightly convex wheels, they "buckle" slightly. It's an easy fix, but the paper type would probably not have this issue. Out of the entire "Big Ed" set, this is really the only criticism that I have. As you can see from the photos, they worked just fine, leaving the rubber tires of each road wheel (and the tiny return rollers) crisp and perfectly painted. The only thing I can add is this; if you plan on working with ANY photoetch, let alone a set like this, you should invest in a PE tool. I have both the Small Shoppe "Bug" tool, and the Mission Models "Etchmate 3C". The "Bug" was helpful with the tiny parts, while the Etchmate was a boon for the larger parts. I cannot imagine folding the one-piece fenders without it! I have to say, this set comes highly recommended to the modeler with a little skill using PE details. It is NOT difficult to work with, as the detailed instructions take you through each step. With a bending-brake tool as mentioned above, it's an easy way to extra-super detail the Marder III Ausf. H. You will not be disappointed with the Museum-Quality model your efforts produce.

My sincere thanks to Eduard, IPMS/USA, and in particular to Dave Morrissette for his patience regarding this project.

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.