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Eduard Czech Hedgehog, photo-etched
brass in 1/35 scale (35708)
by Frank De Sisto
Contains two frets and one page of instructions. Price: $19.95 USD.
Alongside the infamous concrete “Dragon’s Teeth”, perhaps
the most widely known anti-armor obstacle is the so-called “Czech
Hedgehog”. Consisting of three steel angle-iron girders, laid out
in a triangular fashion and joined at the center by plates, these obstacles
were typically mounted on concrete bases, on contested pieces of real
estate such as Omaha Beach. Other times they were left un-attached on
a hard surface so that they could be moved, thereby creating temporary
barriers.
This is a rather simple set to use, but it does require that many nut/bolt
assemblies be provided by the modeler. To ease the task, Eduard has etched
hexagon shapes in various sizes completely through the frets, at the edges.
The instructions then tell the modeler to heat a section of plastic sprue
and press it into these openings, to create a nut/bolt head. Not a bad
idea, but to save time, I’d use Grandt Line castings instead. Also,
because of the length of each piece (about 48mm, or 1-7/8-inches), some
sort of purpose-built hobbyist’s bending tool will ease the process.
This is a very handy set includes parts for four complete Hedgehogs.
Therefore, a single set may prove to be a useful, relatively low-cost
and easily constructed addition to either a vignette, or a section of
a diorama.
Highly recommended.
Eduard products are available at retail and mail order shops and directly
from the manufacturer at: www.eduard.cz.
Visit their web site for images of reviewed items.
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