Reviews of scale model detail sets.

Review Author
Scott A. Bregi
Published on
May 23, 2011
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$18.50

Another outstanding addition to the Aires line of resin cockpit sets. This set for the Hasegawa 1:72nd scale J-35 Draken is beautifully cast in a medium grey resin and features extremely minute details to include sidewall structure. Anyone who loves The Saab Draken will want to add this set to their model. .

The only problem I had and one to pay attention to is fitting of the glare shield under the front windscreen. I inadvertently removed too much plastic and this left gaps near where the windscreen fits to the fuselage. I recommend test fitting often and only remove a very small amount of the plastic at a time. It is way too easy to remove too much material.

Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
May 23, 2011
Company
Airscale Model Aircraft Enhancements
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$8.50

The two decal sets are in clear register, well printed and of great use to the aircraft modeler. Those that scratch build their own instrument panels will find these immensely useful. As one who builds a lot of resin kits I can see these being of great benefit there as well. They also will enhance a kit instrument panel going over the raised detail. Lastly, the gauge decals also include a small rectangle of clear, thin plastic so those with a punch and die set can make their own glass covers for the instruments.

Review Author
Scott A. Bregi
Published on
May 23, 2011
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$14.50

Another outstanding addition to the Aires line of resin detail and upgrade sets. This set for all versions of the venerable Hasegawa 1:72ndscale J-35 Draken. It may be able to fit to other kits but that is for you to find out! It is exquisitely cast in a medium grey resin and features extremely minute details absent from the kit parts. Anyone who loves The Saab Draken will want to add this set to their model. .

Only place to watch out for is cleaning up the inside seams at the top and bottom of the aft fuselage as this will be visible after the new tailpipe is installed. Again test fit many times before committing to glue. I had to install a stop bar of sorts behind and inside the fuselage to keep the nozzle from falling inside.

Aficionados of the Saab Draken will want to add this set to their pride and joy; and don’t forget these other sets:

Review Author
Mark Aldrich
Published on
May 23, 2011
Company
Pro Art Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$30.57

Pro Art Models has been around since 2002. I first found out about them when I was looking for aftermarket items to hop-up the Italeri HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck). They were one of the only names in the game. They had details for the interior, exterior, the fuel pump system and tires. They now carry a highly detailed rear mounted crane. They also carry a few radio sets that are absolutely gorgeous. There are currently three US distributors of Pro Art Models: Master Modelers Marketplace in Beaverton, OR, R&J Enterprises in Quilcene, WA and Military Hobbies in Orange, CA. You can also order direct from their site. They take MasterCard, Visa and my favorite PAYPAL.

Review Author
Dave San Souci
Published on
May 18, 2011
Company
Hobby Design
Scale
1/20,1/24, and 1/25
MSRP
$6.49

The Parts

Hobby Design makes detail parts for automotive subjects. They offer a wide range of products from metal parts, to resin wheels, and photo etched detail sets for a wide variety of modeling subjects.

Here I review their HD07-0002 0.5mm Rivets. They are all metal and come 40 pieces per pack.

Assembly

It’s pretty straight forward I remove the molded plastic rivets from the part with a #11 blade. Then I used a #80 drill bit in the spot for the rivets to be placed that’s it pretty simple.

Conclusion

I highly recommended these products for anyone who wants to add realism to their models. Hobby Design makes a wide range of rivets to fit into all different application. Thanks to Hobby Design and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review these excellent products.

Review Author
Andy Renshaw
Published on
May 18, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$22.95

Anybody who has seen period photos of World War II Soviet soldiers will note that many times their uniforms are decorated with medals and awards. Occasionally a figure manufacturer will provide these molded into the chest leaving the modeler to paint, but the majority of plastic figures do not. Eduard has been working through various subjects within its colored photo etch range, and now we get not just one, but two sets of Soviet World War II uniform insignia and metals in full color! This review covers the early war period, 1940-1943.

Review Author
Andy Renshaw
Published on
May 18, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$22.95

Anybody who has seen period photos of World War II Soviet soldiers will note that many times their uniforms are decorated with medals and awards. Occasionally a figure manufacturer will provide these molded into the chest leaving the modeler to paint, but the majority of plastic figures do not. Eduard has been working through various subjects within its colored photo etch range, and now we get not just one, but two sets of Soviet World War II uniform insignia and metals in full color! This review covers the late war, 1944-1945 periods.

Review Author
Bill Kluge
Published on
May 18, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/350
MSRP
$26.95

This photo etch ship railing set is similar to their 3-Bar Chain railing set, with the obvious difference of having two chain levels instead of three. The accompanying photo compares the two Eduard sets, side by side.This similarity will enable me to liberally borrow from my earlier review:

This unpainted stainless steel set represents drooping chain railings founds on the main decks on most all types of vessels (metal bar railings tend to be found more often on the upper superstructure deck levels). This is generic railing, not geared to any specific navy or class of ship.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
May 17, 2011
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$5.50

Trumpeter’s lastest 109 is the Bf-109F-4, it is nice but has some issues besides depicting a G-2 more than an F-4 version. One of those things that really needs to be addressed is the propeller. Quickboost offers three perfectly formed light grey resin propellers that are perfectly formed and blemish free. Replacement of the kit part is quite easy just remove these blades and substitute the kit ones.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Quickboost, Aires Hoddy Models and IPMS/USA for the review copy.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
May 17, 2011
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$7.00

This little gem of a set contains four resin stubs. I know you’re thinking what is so special about them. The stubs are not straight pipes. They have a bulge middle and tapered end. The jewel in the crown is the flame dampeners inside the realistically thin end pieces. Designed for the Dragon Ta-154 kit I’m sure these could be fitted to the Promodeler one as well. Simply remove the pour block leaving the attachment stub and paint then add to the model.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Quickboost, Aires Hobby Models and IPMS/USA for the review copy.