I figured the clearest method of doing this would be to list the parts
which all three sets (Eduard, Lion Roar & Voyager) have in common. For the most part, the quality is
equal. If a particular common part is of lesser quality or accuracy, it
will be noted. Next is a listing of which parts unique to each set. I have included
the manufacturer's part number with each set to help out anyone who
doesn't have them. BTW, these sets and comments apply ONLY to the
Trumpeter kit. Last, I'll add a few footnotes and some closing comments. I
hope you all find this useful. With that said, here goes!
Common Parts Contained in All 3 Sets
Inner Handles for Driver, Commander and Gunner Hatches
Inner and Outer Handles for Rear Doors
Pioneer Tool Latches and Mounts* (Note A)
Exhaust Pipe Shield
Muffler Shield
Hull and Turret Wire Cutters and Mount Brackets* (Note B)
Air Intake Grilles* (note C)
Drivers Periscope Guard Assembly
Mirror Assembly* (note D)
Hull and Turret Jerry Can Brackets/7.62mm Ammo Box Brackets
Left side Hull L Brackets
25mm Muzzle (Early Round Barrel)
Hull Tie Downs* (note E)
Tie Down Straps/Buckles for Hull, Jerry Can, Ammo Box and Turret
Basket
Eduard # 35859
Headlight Brackets
Drivers Windscreen, Wiper and Hull Mounts
Roof Hatch Lock Hasps
Upper Hull Round Tube Fixture at Roof Doors (forward of bumper
brackets)
Rear Door Latches and Mounts
Wrap Over Intake Screens
Rear Electrical Receptacle Cover
Hull Fitting Behind Exhaust
Taillight Guards* (note F)
Roof Hatch and Winch Door Bumper Brackets
Smoke Mortar Caps with Chains (not used on LAV-25s, seen on ASLAVs
which have a different mortar tube and mount design)
Figure and Small Arms Details (i.e. replacement straps for body
armor, buckles for ammo pouches, wrist watch, weapons slings, barrel
guards and sights, ammo box and ammo belt for SAW)
Lion Roar # LE35062
Complete Replacement Turret Basket (You build it all!)
Turret Lift Rings
Plate w/Bolt Details for Turret Antenna Mounts
Replacement Bolt Detail for Sides and Face of Turret Mantle Opening
Roof Hatch and Winch Door Bumper Brackets
Replacement Muffler Bracket
Voyager # 35078
Propellers
25mm Ammo Boxes (etched lettering)
7.62mm Ammo Boxes
Steering Arms (to allow repositioning of steering axles; illustations
provided to illustrate what/how to modify all applicable suspension
parts)
Headlight Brackets
Front Differential Skid Plate
Replacement Roller Fairlead Assembly
Commander and Gunner Sight Assemblies
Rear Door Vision Block Assemblies
Padlock for Rear Fuel Filler
Propeller Differential Skid Plate
Lift Ring for Forward Air Intake Grill only
Detail Cap for Smoke Grenade Tops
Footnotes
Note (A)- Pioneer tool latches in Eduard and Voyager sets much
more accurate than in the Lion Roar set.
Note (B)- Wire cutter brackets in Voyager set appears to be better
detailed than others.
Note (C)- Voyager grill set allows wrap over of mesh on left & right
side of rear intake grill only; Eduard appears to allow for wrap over on
all sides of both grilles; Lion Roar allows no wrap over on either
grill.
Note (D)- Mirrors Assemblies are different for all three sets;
Eduards set is the least detailed; Voyagers appears to be the most
accurate, though I have no photos of the mirrors in place. Commonly the
mirror head is removed and just the arm is left in place.
Note (E)- No sets provide accurate tie down replacements you will have
to use brass wire
to replace.
Note (F)- A Flat profile for this piece on all etched set pieces; They should be round with flat
angled side braces.
Conclusion
Dollar for dollar, it appears that the Eduard set would prove most
useful overall. Eduard also provides the most user friendly instruction
sheets. While the Voyager set has some nice 25mm ammo boxes, I would
recommend using the boxes from Tamiyas Modern US Military Equipment Set
No.35266. All sets have a nice pattern in the exhaust pipe covers. If
you wish to model an up-to-date LAV-25 (with the reduced thermal signature cover)
the etched covers arent used anyhow. The turret lift rings (provided
only in the Lion Roar set), are too thin. The original kit parts have a
much more accurate looking thickness, although reinforcing gussets need to be
added on the inner sides of the left and right side lift points. In
my opinion, I'd recommend the sets in the following order: 1)
Eduard, 2)Voyager, 3)Lion Roar.
If you're curious about how I arrived at this comparison, I personally
have the Lion Roar and Voyager PE sets. So this was an actual, hands on
review. The Eduard set was compared using a set of downloaded instruction
sheets, reviewing photos on their website of the installed detail pieces,
and by also examining the photos posted by Brano Herain on the
Constructive Comments DG of his use of the set during his build. I also
have 2 or 3 dozen good, clear reference images of the 1:1 LAV-25 that I
compared the detail sets with. This proved useful to me as well,
because I found several small details included with the different sets. I had missed them in the reference images, but when found on the PE
instruction sets, I went back and found the items on the 1:1 LAV! I am
also in the middle of my own build up of the Trumpeter kit. Again, I
hope you find this useful in your project.
Cheers!
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