Eduard has released a photoetch exterior and interior upgrade for their new 1/144 MiG-21SMT. I’ve reviewed the kit separately.

The Kit

Inside the envelope, you get a 2 ½ by 3 inch PE fret, cockpit and canopy detail decals, and the instruction sheet. There are enough parts on the PE to do one of the two MiGs in the kit, and some “extras” which could be used on the second aircraft, such as the two different sets of chocks or the tailpipe interior which doesn’t need to be installed if you’re using the exhaust cover.

• Railings -- Stock # 53054, $32.95
• Details -- Stock # 53055, $49.95

Having made a variety of generic PE sets for 1/700 and 1/350 scale ship kits, Eduard is now providing us with dedicated complete sets for specific ships. These two sets will provide complete (or nearly complete) coverage of the Aoshima Chokai, and probably for the Fujimi Chokai as well. The set is labeled for the “1944” version of the ship, so check your references carefully if you hope to use it for an earlier version of the vessel. She underwent several refits during her lifetime that altered her structure or equipment significantly. The same goes for attempts to use it on other ships of the class (especially Takao or Atago). Both of these ships received refits that changed them markedly from Chokai. However, chances are that the majority of the parts in these sets will be useful on any version of these vessels.

Among World War II naval aircraft, the Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter achieved a record that remains unsurpassed: 5,156 enemy aircraft downed, and in less than two years of combat operations at that! Clearly, it was the right plane in the right place at the right time. Meyer and Ginter’s new book provides a little something for everyone with an interest in the Hellcat, no matter what the angle. The book begins on the very first page with Mr. LeRoy Grumman’s design philosophy, which sets the tone for all that follows: “Grumman will only build an easily produced, maintained and reliable combat aircraft that can be readily mastered by a 200-hour, war-time pilot trained to fly from a carrier, engage in successful combat, sustain combat damage, return to the carrier and land his aircraft after dark so that he can be available for combat again the next day.”