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Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/24
MSRP
$22.40

Master Model is known for producing high quality brass armament for aircraft and ship models. This new offering, AM-24-004, Hispano 20mm brass cannon for the AM-24-004, is another fine addition to this line of products.

The Master Model parts replace all four of the 20mm cannons that are included in the Airfix kit. It is necessary to remove and use the breaches from the kit parts but the barrels can be discarded. Assembly is straightforward and documented on the instruction card contained in the Master Model package.

One begins by removing the breach from the original Airfix cannons and by drilling a receiving hole in each breach. The depth and diameter of the receiving hole can be determined by identifying the locating pin on the brass barrel part that butts up against the breach.

Review Author
Andy Renshaw
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$43.50

When looking at our models we like to have something to look at both up front, and at the rear. Many aircraft kits are lacking in both of these areas, and Aires at least is taking care of both. This set deals with the rear area of the F-14B or D, which are both powered by the General Electric F110-GE engine. This is also the same engine found in many other aircraft, including various blocks of the F-16, F-2, and recently the F-15K. For the Tomcat, the F100 is the F100-GE-400 variant. With the introduction of this engine the F-14 experienced a substantial improvement in performance, reliability, and safety. Performance was increased enough that an F-14B or D does not need afterburner for a cat launch off a carrier.

Review Author
Andy Renshaw
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$10.95

One of the most tedious, but necessary tasks to aircraft modelers is masking canopies for painting. This is further complicated with modern aircraft, as many have an additional light yellow or gray rubber seal around the canopy glass. Trying to cut strips of tape, parafilm, or foil is tedious and time consuming to line everything up just right.

Eduard has come to the rescue for the past several years with sets of canopy masks made of Kabuki tape that is thin, flexible, and very easy to apply. Tamiya tape is the same material. Keeping up with the latest releases, Eduard put out a set for the new AFV Club 1/48 F-5E. This set would also work for the recent F-5N release as well.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.80

Quickboost has introduced a drop in replacement set of props for the Kinetic/Italeri 1/48th scale E2C Hawkeye. The set comes with 2 sets of replacement blades, 2 complete one piece spinners and a jig to insure proper alignment of the blades. Casting is perfect with no flash, air voids and any imperfections at all.

Looking closely at the parts, one advantage to the Quickboost set is that the leading edges of the props and the ends have engraved lines where the kits are raised. Not a big issues but it is about time saving. Also, if you bought the modern version of the E2C with the 8-bladed props, you can use these to convert back. The jig is an excellent tool and insures proper alignment of the parts.

Simple install, perfect casting and great convenience are all in this set and is what Quickboost is about. My Thanks to David Lajer and Quickboost for the review sample and this is a recommended set.