MER

Eduard BRASSIN, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Eduard's 1/72 Alkali Missiles are available online from Squadron.com

A detailed knowledge of modern suspension, arming and release equipment is not one of my strengths. As far as I can determine, there have been several versions of US MER’s, including early and late types used during the Vietnam War period, with the later style being used through to the 1980’s. Since the 1990’s, and still in current use, is the BRU-41/A Improved Multiple Ejector Rack (IMER). I have also read that MER details can vary between USAF and USN.

I wish Eduard had provided rack’s complete designation, as they generally do for their Brassin range bombs and missiles, because as things stand I am unsure of the period and which aircraft Brassin’s MER is suitable for. I cannot say for sure, but the item reviewed here looks very much like the current BRU-14/A IMER to me*.

• If anyone can help clarify this point please either post in “Plane Talking” or email me with the information.

The three MER’s come attractively packaged in a blister pack with sponge cushioning.

Very clear instructions are included, downloadable as a PDF from Eduard’s website, with colour call-outs cross-referenced to the Gunze Aqueous and Mr Color paint ranges. A small sheet of decals provides the rack’s markings.
The instructions do advise to check references for the correct rack suspension lug and positions, and what I assume are moveable sway-brace pads, as these two components can be placed in different positions to suit various aircraft and hard-points. The instructions include measurements to guide typical positions for these items. 

Three MER’s are provided in the pack. Each MER has the adapter assembly, nose cone, six ejector units cast as one piece, and four sway-brace pads are cast separately. The quality is excellent, with easily removed casting blocks.

The two assembly suspension lugs and the sway braces for each MER’s six shoulder installations (where the bombs mount) are supplied as PE parts.

Painted and decaled, these MER should be an excellent addition to any suitable model; they are sure to be a vast improvement over any injected kit items.

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Eduard offers a very similar 1/48 scale set (Brassin 648227) for US$14.95. 

Eduard Brassin’s MER’s are very nicely rendered, and are an excellent complement for suitable subjects; I just wish Eduard would help me determine what these are! Either by providing their official nomenclature and indication of the period they apply to; or better still, a list of aircraft types that use them.

Despite my ignorance concerning the above, still definitely recommended.

Thanks to Eduard for the samples and images.

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
Page Created 17 October, 2016
Last updated 17 October, 2016

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