MMD-Squadron has added a 1/48 scale US WW II era parachute to their True Details resin aftermarket parts line. The parachute is sculpted to represent a chute in pre or post-mission repose with integral pack, cushion, harness and hardware visible. It is well sculpted with an amazing amount of detail for such a small item.

This parachute would be a perfect diorama accent for any US WWII aircraft model, posed the way parachutes were typically placed on the wings or stabilizers of aircraft prior to a mission so pilots could quickly ‘suit up’ for a takeoff. Two parachutes come packaged on a blister card with a foam pad backing to protect the fragile features of the casting. They are molded in gray resin on a very thin layer of molding scrap. No assembly is required. They just need to be sanded off the small casting scrap, painted and positioned. A fresh #11 blade can then be used to carefully trim away scrap from the edges of the parachute without damaging the details.

I’d like to express my ongoing appreciation to Ross at SAC for continuing to provide us with review items; I know that everyone at IPMS/USA sincerely appreciates your contributions.

This is another in a series of “drop fit and direct replacement” metal gear for your models. In this case, the set is for the Kinetic-series of Alpha jets in 1/48. In my case, it is being used on my “Wingman” German aftermarket release of the kit, and as such, the weight of the resin cockpit, seats, and more make use of metal gear almost mandatory if you don’t want the “failed plastic gear” effect on your model. As an aside, the Wingman release is fantastic too, but that’s not the point of the review.

As you can see by the pictures, 11 parts are provided for this set, totally replacing the plastic parts in the kit. I will say that the metal parts have a bit more “crisp” look to them, and with no mold seam, you can install and paint with confidence.

Overview and History

1956 was the second year of the wildly successful Chysler 300 series and aptly named after the second letter of what became known as the Chrysler “letter” series cars. The V-8 powered series eventually went as far as the 300L of 1965, however the letter series continued one more time as the V6 powered FWD 300M model in 1999. The standard engine was a 394CID (5.8L) “Hemi” V8. The available dual 4 barrel carburated “hemi” topped out as the first American V8 to produce one horsepower per cubic inch or 394HP, a fantastic accomplishment of the day. The car was available in three colors: Regimental Red (37), Cloud White (41) and Black.