Although too late for World War 2, the de Havilland Vampire served in front-line RAF squadrons until 1953 and in training squadrons until 1966. The Vampire was the RAF’s second jet-powered aircraft, after the Gloster Meteor. Over 3200 copies were manufactured in numerous variants. The FB.5 was a single-seat fighter-bomber, of which over 1000 were built. It was powered by a de Havilland Goblin II turbojet, and it could reach a maximum speed of 550 mph.

Cyber Hobby’s new Vampire comes shortly after their Meteor, Sea Venom, and Sea Vixen, as they continue to build on their line of post-war aircraft. As a new tooling, the kit makes extensive use of slide-molding. The kit comes in the standard Dragon/Cyber Hobby top-opening box, with images on both the box top and bottom. Forty-five parts are included on three sprues, including one in clear, and are molded in light gray. The sprues are individually sealed in clear cellophane.

Quickboost has issued a replacement "tail wheel" for the Kinetic S-2 tracker. It really isn't a tail wheel, but rather a tail skid. The parts are three – a tail wheel, the skid, and the piston. It is well cast in Quickboost’s gray resin. You separate the parts from the casting blocks, sand the minimal attachment points, and assemble the wheel by adding the separate tire.

One thing to note in the comparison photos is how blob-like the kit parts are – almost no detail whatsoever. The kit part is molded as one piece, lacks any wheel hub detail, and will also need filling as there are definitely some sunken-in areas.

If you are building this kit, this part is a must-have! It is recommended, especially due to the low cost and improved detail. My thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this excellent item.

Another addition to the Quickboost line for the Kinetic S-2F Tracker is a replacement set of engines. The set comes with four parts – two engines and two holders. They are cast in familiar gray resin and are perfectly molded.

The installation is simple. Assemble the nacelle as per kit instructions. Sand down the backing ring so it slides into the opening, paint it up and glue the engine in place, and then the cowling, and you're done.

One thing noticeable in the comparison pictures is that the Quickboost engines are missing the rods connecting the valve covers and engines. They are easily made, and if you add ignition wires you have a superb upgrade.

In summary, this is a more detailed simple upgrade which is cast perfectly and fits very well and is very visible on the finished kit. A couple simple push rods and you're there. These are definitely recommended. My thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the chance to review them.