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Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$6.50

Just like the company name implies, this a quick boost for the exhausts on the old Eduard 1/48 Hawker Tempest kit.

Like the other products I’ve reviewed from this company, they are very well done and easy to remove from the casting blocks. I must admit, I requested these because, during the sanding phase of this project, I broke some of the stock exhaust stubs off. The kit parts and these replacements are installed from the inside before closing the fuselage halves. I was too far along to do it that way so, after chopping out the old stubs and trying to level the plate behind them, this is as close as I could get. There is no doubt in my mind they will fit perfectly when properly installed.

Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
Company
Master Model
MSRP
$5.50

Background

The trouble (at least for me) with pitot tubes as furnished in most aircraft plastic kits is they are normally the last part installed and the first part broken off. I build 1/48th scale aircraft and will replace the kit pitot tube with lengths of aluminum or brass tubing. I use the kit part for the proper dimensions, but do allow at least ½” extra length in the main shaft for a secure mounting within the model’s wing or nose cone.

The Company

The company Master is located in Poland, and the owner is Piotr Czerkasow, who is also a modeler. By vocation he is a mechanical engineer. The product line includes aircraft and naval accessories in several scales.

The products are distributed worldwide, including the United States, with Sprue Brothers being one of the sources.

Review Author
Ben Guenther
Published on
Company
Master Box Ltd
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$21.00

Master Box has provided 5 German infantry figures in dynamic poses that reflects the kit label “Cold Wind”. Typical of their products, the box front accurately reflects the final figures and the box rear has pictorial instructions on figure assembly. Pictures of the two sprues are provided on the rear, one is labeled A and the other B. The sprues themselves do not have this marking, but sprue A has parts for three figures and sprue B has parts for two figures. Part count for the sprues is 109 pieces, with 8 parts not being used. The plastic is a yellow/tan color, soft, and glues well with liquid cement.

Book Author(s)
Wojtek Matusiak
Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$23.00

This volume continues the story of Supermarine Spitfire MK IXs used by Polish pilots in Britain during the years 1944-1946, both in Polish and RAF squadrons and auxiliary units. Information on aircraft and crew losses and officially credited victories is included.

There are over 200 photographs (about half of which have not been published before) and about 30 color profiles (plus top and bottom views for two representative aircraft). In several instances, full color renderings are included alongside period images of the aircraft. Very nice touch.

Wojtek Matusiak, the author who lives in Warsaw, Poland, is a well-known Polish aviation history author. He is a specialist on the Spitfire and has published both in English and Polish.

Review Author
Dan Mackay
Published on
Company
Zvezda
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$13.99

The Soviet fighter Yak-3 is part of Zvezda’s new “Snap Fit” series. You get 45 medium gray hard plastic parts and two clear parts with minimal flash. The instructions are very well illustrated with seven sequences of assembly. The detail is exceptional and surprising for a snap fit kit. The three piece pilot figure is a work of art, with the seat pan molded to the pilot. A seat without pilot is also provided, should you wish that option. The kit is designed for snap assembly and can easily be assembled with no glue. However, I plan on using glue. Areas of concern are the sink marks on the upper wings (part 40) and front top cowling (part 41). Filler will definitely be required. You also get two finely detailed instrument panels, one to be used with kit supplied decals and the other with raised details for the instruments if you prefer to paint yours. You also have the option for wheels down or wheels up.