Continual thanks to one of our steadfast IPMS supporters, Ross at SAC, and to IPMS leadership for providing the set to me for review. Yes, it’s metal gear time again!

This set is the usual drop-in replacement for the Hasegawa series 1/48 P-40 warhawks. Parts include two main gear struts with torque links integrated, two side braces, retraction arms, and a tail gear. The tail gear is particularly welcome, as it is a typical offset one-arm tail gear, prone to damage from shelf abuse, moving models while dusting, or the occasional home pet attack.

Not much to say: Build the kit, then install the gear when you want. In this case, I assembled the airframe, and installed the gear so the kit would have something to stand on while I painted it. The pictures speak for themselves; the metal gear is a direct replacement for the kit items and fit with no problem.

This set is the first set that I can remember that allowed the modeler to pose the bulkhead behind the pilot in the open position. This will definitely set your Bf-109 apart from the rest. The one thing that comes to mind immediately is adding this set to make a Galland like opening with the lobsters and champagne. Yes I know that was an F model but you get the idea.

Molded in light grey resin with the minimal resin flash, there are three parts for this set. There are four parts on the two pour blocks but you only need the three. The big piece is a one piece affair that will slide nicely into your kit. You will have to remove the pour block on this piece but after that it is already done for you. The bulkhead is a direct replacement for the kit part, but this piece is opened so you can see into the storage area. The access door has detail on both sides, a very nice touch.

Specialty Press is a publisher and distributor of aviation books. Their long running series on in-depth design and operational histories of various aircraft in the Luftwaffe continues with the publication of their comprehensive look at the Junkers Ju 52. What the C-47 was to the Allies, the Ju 52 was to the Axis. The trimotor transport served as the primary pre-war civil aviation aircraft for Germany and during the war it served on every front in the war in a wide variety of roles – bomber, transport, ambulance, minesweeper, and seaplane.