Photoetch for 1/35 French Char B1 bis with Wide Fenders for Tamiya kit #35282

Tamiya's Char Bis has been out for a while now and is generally regarded as an excellent kit. I recently chose to build the German Army version and opted to use the Voyager PE update set. The kit itself is very well detailed, but there is no doubt that this set brings it up to a whole new level. The main focus of attention are the fenders which are beautifully created and just need the rivet detail 'punched' to make them stand proud. They attach to the hull just like the real thing and while using superglue to attach the brackets is acceptable, soldering is certainly the best way to go. The tool brackets are fantastic and detail is exquisite. The exhaust covers also receive some deserved attention too. The headlight has been beautifully detailed, but extreme care will be needed with the X handle as it can be easily knocked off during the weathering stages. Again, I suggest soldering this part in place. Lastly, the Renault badge. The plaques were only fitted to the German army versions and looks great once painted and weathered which picks out the details nicely. Downside? The 75mm barrel's indents on each side are too 'deep' when compared to the real thing. And for this reason I've given it 4 stars out of 5. Other than that, highly recommended.