Master Models once again provides IPMS USA with examples of machine-shop excellence… We are extremely thankful to Piotr for providing examples of his work to review.

As you can see by the product photographs, these .50 caliber browning machine gun barrels are exquisite works of art. Designed to fit one of the two 1/32 Lighting models currently available, you receive four different length .50 caliber barrel assemblies, and two separate types of 20MM cannon barrels which were utilized on some variants of the Lightening.

What is really impressive about this set is you are provided with the drilled cooling jackets, which I challenge anyone to do at home with tubing and your personal micro drill set! I know I can’t… so this is one area (of several) where Master Models’ products shine.

Besides the cooling jackets, you are provided with hollow barrels, and mount rings,

Another very nice photo etch set, this time for the Kitty Hawk OS2U Kingfisher Kit. This set adds a lot of extra detail to the exterior of the kit.

The photetch parts are for the:

• Engine details
• Side and main float details
• Bomb fins
• Bomb Pylons
• Wing light surrounds

In the packet is:

• 1 large photo etch sheet
• 1 Instruction sheet

Summary

This is a must have set for the Kitty Hawk Kit as it makes it into a great model with lot of additional exterior details for this aircraft. I really think the engine details alone is worth getting this set.

Thanks go to Eduard for providing this set to review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them.

This is a great photo etch set for the Kitty Hawk OS2U Kingfisher Kit. This set adds a lot of extra detail to the interior of the kit and makes it really stand out.

The phot etch parts are for the:

• Bulkhead details
• Instrument panel and various control details
• Bomb fins
• Machine gun and ammo box details
• Seat details
• Main cabin floor details
• Radio rack details

In the packet is:

• 1 Photo etch sheet
• 1 Colored photo etch sheet
• 1 Instruction sheet

Summary

This is a one of the best Photo etch sets I have used and is a must for the Kitty Hawk Kit, as it makes it into a great model with lot of additional interior details for this aircraft. I really think the machine gun and instrument details alone are worth getting this set for.

The Bearcat was just too late to join the fight in WWII but was used by the French in Indochina to great effect. It is a sexy and compact naval fighter.

An easy way to add some life to your static model is to reposition the flight control surfaces. I’ve never been able to do this effectively. Well Aires has come to the rescue. The latest release is molded in light grey resin with no flaws anywhere. Two horizontal surfaces and two elevators are included.

Removal of the parts from the pour block is quite easy. The horizontal surfaces are slotted so are drop in replacements for the kit parts. The elevators can then be added and deflected as you see fit with superglue. You may want to pin it to get a more solid join. Don’t forget to move the stick in the appropriate direction. It is really that easy and simple.

Another winner from Aires. This set is an easy addition to make your model come alive. I’m looking forward to other releases such as this from Aires.

This is a dual kit of two famous aircraft flown by American Ace Francis Stanley Gabreski (nicknamed “Gabby”). Gabreski flew the P-47D in WWII scoring 28 kills, and flew the F-86 in Korea with 6.5 credited kills. He was one of only seven pilots to become an Ace in two wars. It was my pleasure to meet him in person at the IPMS/USA National convention in Chicago in 2001.

Both the Academy kits have fine recessed panel lines and are molded in a light gray plastic. The builds are fairly straightforward with some fit problems. I needed some filler around the leading edges of both airplanes’ wings. The P-47’s cockpit floor seemed to be too low and left a gap between the instrument panel and the top of the fuselage.