Aires has produced a set of resin flying control surfaces parts for the Wingsy Kits A5M2b Claude. The resin replacements are a simple drop-in for the kit’s plastic parts. The supplied items include two ailerons, two horizontal stabilizers and one vertical stabilizer. The tail plane parts will require modification of the horizontal stabilizer to accept the new resin parts.

An evaluation of the parts (see photos) indicates a replacement of superior detail that will provide not only better detailing, but control posable surfaces compared to those supplied with the kit. The parts are cast using Aires fine, rigid, grey resin with no signs of any bubbles or flash clean-up necessary. The ribbing detailing appears the slightest bit proud to me, but nothing that a couple of swipes with some fine sandpaper won’t address.

Coastalkits from the UK has produced a line of model display bases in various designs, shapes and scales from grass airfields to modern hardscapes. This particular design is a rectangular replica of typical concrete hangar floor and photo backdrop of a hangar wall and bi-parting door. The dimensions are 420mm X 297mm X 420mm (about 12 X 16-1/2 inches) and is suitable for small to medium sized 1/48 scale aircraft.

Martin Derry has worked extensively in the field of aviation publishing. He is the the author of British Military Aviation: 1960s in Colour (2007); Hornet and Sea Hornet: De Havilland's Ultimate Piston-engined Fighter (2010); Hawker Hurricane and Sea Hurricane (2015); Avro Lancaster (2015); Avro Shackleton (2016); English Electric Lightning (2017) and the forthcoming Gloster Meteor (2018).

Neil Robinson is a respected aviation historian and author, who has worked on a number of related projects over the years. He is the author of RAF Trainers 1918-1945: Camouflage and Markings (2012), and Air War Over the Falklands (2012). Hawker Hurricane and Sea Hurricane (2015); Avro Lancaster (2015); Avro Shackleton (2016); English Electric Lightning (2017) and the forthcoming Gloster Meteor (2018).