Thank you to Bert Kinzey and Rock Roszak for bringing another tremendous digital resource to the modeler. Thank you to the IPMS Reviewer Corps for allowing me to test out this new and exciting method of researching colors and markings of my favorite jet of all time, the F-14 Tomcat. A very significant plus of this updated version is that the entire history of all the Pacific F-14 squadrons, including TOPGUN/NSAWC and evaluation squadrons, is now available in a single publication.

Brengun, based in the Czech Republic, is known for producing a range of photo-etched and resin accessories for airplane models. They also produce a small number of 1/72nd and 1/144th aircraft model sets. One of their latest airplane kits is the North American A-36 Apache. With the release of this new kit, they have added a number of accessories for it including additional photo-etch details, a vacuform canopy, and these painting masks for the canopy.

The A-36 Apache was a dive bomber version of the P-51 Mustang. It was based on the fuselage of the P-51A, but with completely redesigned wings strengthened to support the added stress of dive bombing. Since the main difference between the P-51A and the A-36 is the wind design, this mask set would work with both the P-51A and the A-36. I used mine on the A-36.

Recently I was given the opportunity by IPMS USA to review Eduard’s BRASSIN wheels for the new 1/48 Airfix P-51D kit. One of the first things to notice with this product is the excellent presentation of the packaging with the familiar clamshell box, with the resin parts safely cocooned on dark grey foam inserts, and the instructions sandwiched between the two halves, doubling as the header card. This set gives new main wheels and the tail wheel. The main wheels have the diamond tread pattern and come with separate hubs. The tail wheel is one part and comes with a new leg which is made from a different type of resin which is probably less prone to sagging. As well as the wheels a set of yellow tape masks are also supplied.