Scale Aircraft Conversions now has over thirty years of experience supplying resin and white metal parts to model builders, and their product listing continues to expand. This is the eleventh landing gear set from SAC that I have reviewed, and once again, they have provided an excellent metal option for kit-supplied landing gear. This set is intended for the 1/48 scale MiG-15 released by Tamiya (I have kits 89535 (silver color plated) and 89573 (clear edition) in my stash while other releases include the original 61043, 61080 (clear edition re-release), and 89729 with GAZ-67B)). The purpose of this replacement set is to provide stronger landing gear that is adjustable if necessary to obtain the proper angles. Even with no previous experience in using white metal parts, this set will provide an upgrade that most modelers will have no issue installing.

Brengun Models is a scale model and detailing parts manufacturer located in the Czech Republic. Their lines include limited production run multi-media kits and exquisitely detailed photo-etched, turned brass and white metal replacement parts for aircraft in the most commonly produced scales.

Brengun has produced a set of engine nozzles for any 1/72 scale F/A-18E/F Super Hornet kit. The parts should fit the F/A-18G Growler kits as well. Any modeler familiar with resin parts will have no issues installing these exhausts in lieu of the kit parts. A close-up evaluation of the parts (see photos), indicates a simple cut and replace installation that provides realistic scale-detailed exhaust cans and afterburner rings with significantly improved appearance to molded plastic kit parts. The photo comparison is to the exhausts supplied in the 1/72 Hasegawa F/A-18E kit. The Brengun exhausts have superior component detail to those supplied in the Hasegawa kit.

With over 700 titles in print, Crécy Publishing has a growing reputation as a premier aviation, railway and transport publisher. The Crécy stable includes the highly respected Hikoki, Classic and Noodle book imprints, producing unique and highly illustrative bestselling books. Crécy books, with over 700 titles in print are available through a worldwide network of distributors and stocklists including museums, specialist retailers and high street bookshops.

Yefim Gordon was born in 1950 in Vilnius, Lithuania (then part of the Soviet Union) and graduated from the Kaunas Polytechnic Institute in 1972. He has been researching Soviet and Russian aviation history for more than 40 years. A professional photographer, Yefim Gordon has published hundreds of features and photographs in Russian and foreign aviation magazines. He has authored and co-authored more than 120 books on Soviet and Russian aviation.

This volume, #11, like all others in the series consists of pages and pages of clear photos, printed nicely on semi-gloss paper between laminated stiff covers. Eagle Editions consistently puts out first-rate publications.

Most photos in the Wings of the Black Cross series are previously unpublished, and this issue carries on that tradition. The entire booklet is chock full, starting with the cover (photos are identified on the inside of the cover). Also, in keeping with the tradition of ever-evolving information, errata regarding previous volumes are also printed on the inside cover.

Aircraft and History

The B-52 is probably one of the most iconic aircraft of all times and the longest serving aircraft in the US Air Force inventory. Designed to carry nuclear weapons during the cold war as a nuclear deterrent, the capabilities have changed since it took to the skies. The first flight of a B-52 was in April 1952 which the cockpit on the first two aircraft was a tandem arrangement similar to the B-47. That design was changed to a conventional side by side seating arrangement on all production aircraft. The first B-52H made its maiden flight in July 1960 and the final B-52H manufactured in October 1962 ending after an eight year production run. The most obvious difference on the B-52H is use of turbofan engines (TF-33) instead of the J-57 turbojet. Upgrades continue to bring new life to the airframe and capabilities but the youngest airframe is 59 years old at the time of this review.