Introduction:
The portable cassette player was an iconic piece of kit for music fans in the 80s and 90s. Compact and easy to carry, these stereo systems were popular among young people and often used to play music in public spaces. The 1990s were a turning point for the boombox in popular culture, especially with the invention of smaller, individual audio players compatible with CDs and MP3 tracks.
Portable Radio Cassette Player (E-057) from Eureka XXL offers two 1/35 scale resin stereo/cassette players, ideal for late 20th century urban/military dioramas.
Review:
The set is packed in a typical Eureka cardboard box, featuring a small front opening which offers a look at the contents of the set without actually opening the box.
The box contains a zip-lock bag with 4 pieces cast in grey resin. The resin looks really good with superbly delivered details… just check those small dials and buttons, very impressive. The casting blocks are large, but should prove pretty easy to remove. I suggest using sharp side cutters, modeling blade and some sandpaper in the process. I found no evidence of any casting defects, so once the pieces are cleaned, you’re good to proceed to the painting.
Once again I have to compliment the details… check the images and see how nicely defined the built in cassette players and speakers are, as well as control dials (volume, balance, etc.) and buttons (remember those? play, rewind, fast forward, record?). Since these players usually came with built in AM/FM radio, modelers can opt to add antennas made from brass wire.
Conclusion:
Portable Radio Cassette Player (E-057) from Eureka XXL delivers two 1/35 scale resin stereo/cassette players, perfectly cast in resin and with ton of superbly defined details… and also offers a blast to the past for most of us who actually remember the times when such stereo/cassette players were used.
Highly recommended.