Introduction: The primary organization of the IPMS/USA Review website is by IPMS/USA National Contest Class. Within each Class there are sub-menus by kits, decals, books, etc. The Miscellaneous Class is for items that are not class specific or that cross two or more classes.
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Thank you to Aires-Quickboost and the IPMS Reviewer Corps for the privilege of reviewing this excellent aftermarket resin detail set. The ICM C-45 kit is very nice in its own right, but replacement propellers add sharp detail in a highly visible part of the kit.
This is a combined review of Master Model’s two optional turned brass barrels (20mm Hispano), and Browning tips and fairings for the Eduard Spitfire Mk.IXe and Mk.XVIe:
I love, love, love the Eduard Spitfire series of kits. The kit has impressive detail to say the least. Sure there are some things that could be improved with aftermarket. One of those things is the armament.
Master has been producing some of the best turned metal barrels and pitot tubes in the world. These sets are in keeping with that reputation.
Thank you to Mushroom Publications for bringing a tremendous digital resource for the modeler. Thank you to the IPMS Reviewer Corps for allowing me to test out this new and exciting method of researching model subjects. This digital publication is nearly identical in content to the paperback version review.
I am very pleased with the increasing availability of research material in the tablet world. Interactive Mitsubishi A6M Zero allows an interesting reference experience for the Japanese Zero aircraft modeler. Cockpit and many other detail views are in a readily searchable and accessible with iPad “finger” format commands. This is not simply a scanned print copy, but is a versatile and useful reference.
The main sections or chapters are as follows:
The plastic motorcycle parts are on a single sprue, the figure on a separate sprue, plus a sprue of clear parts, a set of photo etched parts, and a decal sheet with markings for the motorcycle and uniform patches for the figure. The instruction sheet is very nice: Large, clear, and in color.
The parts are all very cleanly molded, no issues with flash, sink holes or ejector pin marks, and the detail is crisp. The kit also includes plastic jigs for bending the photoetched parts.
Following the instructions, the build begins with bending the photo-etched parts. The spokes for the wheels are no problem, but the fender supports for the front wheel assembly were a bit challenging. In order to get the proper curve where the supports attach to the front fender, I used a small paintbrush handle, pressing into the cutting matt to get the proper curvature. I couldn’t get a sufficiently curved bend using the jig alone.
This is the third set of 1/72 decals from AOA Decals. The decals are printed by Cartigraf of Italy, look very nice, are clear, in register, and work very well. These decals are spaced very close together so use a really good pair of decal scissors so you don’t accidentally cut the one next to it.
The first test for decals, that I use, is to apply the walkway markings because they are long and straight. If they are really long you can cut them apart and mate them up again but that wasn’t needed here. These went on properly with no problem at all. I was very impressed with the ease and smoothness with which they could be applied. They came off the sheet well and I was able to move them into place once I got them on.
