ABER Photo Etch sets - What's included in Basic set & additional set

[Sarah]

Hi Guys,

I've been looking at the ABER Photo Etch sets and would be grateful if anyone could tell me what parts the 'Basic' and 'Additional' sets make up.


Many thanks,

Sarah

[wibblywobbly]

Hell Sarah, you are going for it aren't you? Personally I have no idea what is in the kits  :-\, but I bet someone on here does.

Rob G

[grim_marmazet]

Hi Sarah,
This link may help;
http://aber.net.pl/list/zestawy_fototrawione_do_modeli__skala_1_16__/

Its Aber's online catalogue with full instructions for each set in pdf format.
The basic set contains a lot of parts including the clamps for all the tools, the tow cables, the track replacement cable, all the detailing for the rear plate, like the toolbox, jack holders, rear reflector light, and much much more.
The additional set has the s-mine launchers, lids for the turret bin, and many more tiny details.
I would recommend the drivers hatch set and the interior details for the commanders cuppola as well, they look really cool.

To be honest though, i've bought nearly all the Tiger sets, and it would've just been cheaper to buy the complete set as it comes with tow cables, all the wire and brass tube you need and the wooden jack block.
Cheers,
Rik

[Saxondog]

Hi Sarah,Rik mentioned that the Aber's instructions are available to be viewed on-line,I thought I would mention the instruction manual for your TIGER is available in the download section of the forum,I found it much easier to view.Sax

[Militarymight]

i dont know much about these photo etch kits can some one explain plus what are they made out of.

[Abo]

Its a VERY fine metal (brass I think) to be used for VERY fine detailing, really good for guard rails and stuff like that for ships. They even do it for 1/350th and smaller stuff now but you'd need a microscope to fit it.

Its brilliant but you need a damn good eye, some good tweezers and the patience of a saint. Oh and don't mess with the stuff if you have a hangover, if you have the shakes and drop ANYTHING on the floor,the carpet monster will munch it up no matter how shiny it looks on the sprue!

I've got a mission models etchmate 3 for bending which is really good if a little expensive, still learning though and making MANY mistakes but thats half the fun.

Abo.

[grim_marmazet]

As Abo said, it is incredibly fiddly, and patience-trying at times. You basically have a lot of flat pre-cut brass pieces your fold into shape and solder together. It takes a lot of time to assemble, and Aber are known for the insane amount of tiny details they add to their sets.
Have a look in my Tiger build thread, the detail for the inside of the commander cupola is a good example of what you can do with PE sets.
I have found though, that just because its on the sprue, it doesn't mean you have to use it, and replaced parts with scratch built plasticard pieces, or just done away with them entirely.
They are really daunting the fist time you start on one, but once you get the knack for soldering and bending it all, the detail it adds is worth the effort.
I have the etchmate 3 as well Abo, definitely worth it.

Oh, one final note, dont add a lot of photo-etch to any tank you plan on battling a lot. It WILL fall off eventually, and you'll spend forever trying to find it! 

Cheers,
Rik