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Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$6.00

For modern aircraft modelers looking to add even more detail to their next 1/72 scale F-16, Master Model has introduced static dischargers that can be installed on the wings and tail, just like the real plane. Modelers often overlook the static dischargers, but these brass items, which are finely machined, will make installation an easy task for most modelers. The directions have you simply scribe a shallow socket to receive the new part, and I would recommend your favorite cyanoacrylate glue to attach the parts.

Static dischargers, or wicks, are used on aircraft to relieve the static buildup that typically takes place when flying through rain, snow, ice, or dust. The high resistance of the discharger provides a relief path that does not interfere with onboard communications or navigation equipment. Without dischargers, the relief of energy can be through any protruding surface of the plane, such as wing tips, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, and antennas.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/700
MSRP
$5.00

For ship modelers looking to improve the look of their ship masts, or specifically their yardarms, Master Model has come to the rescue. Their Yardarm Set Number 1 contains a dozen replacement yardarms in lengths of 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 mm (two of each size is included). The already small brass items are finely tapered out to the ends, just like the real thing. If replacing plastic yardarms on a kit, the comparison photograph shows what a difference these can make.

My hits are that once again, the folks at Master Model have released some very finely detailed replacement parts, in this case for the 1/700 scale ship modeler. The fine taper are clearly visible, and will make a nice upgrade for a reasonable price.

I have no valid miss for this release itself. The directions only show the items that are present, and mention set number 2 in this scale as well as the two sets available in 1/350 scale.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Aerobonus
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$12.99

Aires continues their wonderful pilot release, this time in 1/32 scale of a German WWII pilot wearing a Kapok life preserver. The parts are perfectly case and have both arms, the body and a separate head. Also included is a full color painting guide and also a printed map and booklet which can be cut out and added to the models right hand.

Assembly is simple. Start by removing the arms and sanding as needed. Same for the head. The body takes a little more work cleaning out along the inseam but nothing too difficult. The arms and can be attached and the head painted separately.

I primed with Alclad gray and let dry overnight. I used Scale 75 painted for the face. If you haven’t tried these, they are wonderful with a great range of flesh colors. The body was painted with Tamiya and Liquitex acrylics. Shading was done with oil washes and acrylics dry brushes.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Eduard
MSRP
$9.95

Eduard has been issuing the world’s best photoetch for a long time now and I have watched many of my modeling friends use all sorts of things to add CA glue to the parts - toothpicks, dental tools, sprue parts and many more. The issue is how to apply the minimum amount of glue needed. Eduard has issued a nifty little tool to help apply the glue.

The parts come on a photoetch fret with 20 droppers. The droppers have a etched lower part and come to a tip with two small forks. Use is simple- cut the dropper free and make sure not to damage the tip. It is designed to fit into a #11 knife handle. Place it into the handle like a knife blade and tighten it up.

Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$24.95

Another very nice photoetch set this time for the Kinetic Mirage III E kit. This set adds a lot of extra detail to the exterior of the kit.

The photoetch parts are for the:

  • Engine exhaust details
  • Air brakes
  • Landing gear doors
  • Landing gear bays

In the packet is:

  • 1 photoetch sheet
  • 1 instruction sheet

Summary

This is a must have set for the Kinetic Mirage kit as it makes it into a great model with lot of additional exterior details for this aircraft. I really think the exhaust detail alone is worth getting this set for.

Thanks go to Eduard for providing this set to review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them.