Introduction

The advent of the internet, I believe, had the biggest impact on the hobby we are involved in resulting in models that are becoming more and more accurate, this has also had an impact on what was called the cottage industries who supplied those small pieces of bling to catch your eye. SKP Model has a particularly nice eye catching addition for an ever growing number of models with their Lenses and Taillights line which are a combination of photo etched backings with clear coloured resin lenses.

Contents

The single photo etched fret is supplied inside a zip-lock bag which is secured to a hanger card with a sticker providing information on the product.

Review

The lenses in this set consist of two sizes of clear lenses, a pair of red lenses, and a pair of red and amber lenses and are designed for the Challenger 2 model in 1/35th scale from Tamiya. However, I see no reason why they could not be used for the Trumpeter offerings as well. In this set as with the Challenger 1 set (Reviewed here) there are two oblong clear lenses which I cannot see a use for unless they are for the wing mirrors, again though I am always happy to have spares of this product type. I particularly like the rear lights in this set with the amber and red light strip being a great looking inclusion with the other rear red light. There are however some lenses omitted from this set which are the two domed amber lights from the front and the round laser aperture from inside the box at the base of the main gun.

The sizes of the lenses appear accurate compared to a few Trumpeter Challenger 2 models I have. The reflectors have the realistic diamond pattern below the lenses for added accuracy and this is also true for the lined detail seen on the headlights which is detailed on the photo etched portion but which goes a long way to add realism to the finished product.

Conclusion

I am fast becoming addicted to these lenses and taillights sets from SKP Model as they make adding realistic light clusters to your models a breeze. The products look to fit with ease and really improves the appearance of these areas of a model. I am a little disappointed at the non-inclusion of the domed amber lenses as they are prominent on the vehicle. These, with the inclusion of the laser aperture, would have been a plus but not the end of the world with it missing. There are currently 28 lenses and taillight sets ranging in price from €6.40 to €7.99 and so these lenses and taillights set are a low cost product that are easily applied with CA or PVA glue with the minimum amount of surgery to your model.