I've used more than a few masks on my models lately and have always been happy with the results. This X-29 set from RES-IM continues the trend and performs as advertised. Printed on yellow Kabuki type tape and laser cut, the sheet provides masks for the windscreen, canopy, and the three wheels. The only omission was the instruction sheet - there was none to be had. Fortunately, the X-29A has a very simple windscreen/canopy with frames only around the edges of the Plexiglas. Consequently, the positions of the individual masks are easy to decipher. They are also easy to see on the sheet and easily removed. Masks for the clear parts were "outlines" leaving the modeler to fill the openings. I cut some pieces from unused sections of the sheet for this task, but any suitable masking tape or liquid would suffice.

A somewhat neglected kit of a very interesting aircraft, Testors 1/48 OV-10 gets an excellent decal set from Caracal Models. For those unfamiliar with the plane, the OV-10 was designed for counter-insurgency (COIN) operations and served the US military with distinction from the Vietnam War to the first Gulf War. It is a tough plane for operating in difficult situations. This set of decals covers the Air Force, Navy, Marines and also the Venezuelan Air Force with marking for 11 planes. They are:

This set is the first set that I can remember that allowed the modeler to pose the bulkhead behind the pilot in the open position. This will definitely set your Bf-109 apart from the rest. The one thing that comes to mind immediately is adding this set to make a Galland like opening with the lobsters and champagne. Yes I know that was an F model but you get the idea.

Molded in light grey resin with the minimal resin flash, there are three parts for this set. There are four parts on the two pour blocks but you only need the three. The big piece is a one piece affair that will slide nicely into your kit. You will have to remove the pour block on this piece but after that it is already done for you. The bulkhead is a direct replacement for the kit part, but this piece is opened so you can see into the storage area. The access door has detail on both sides, a very nice touch.

Specialty Press is a publisher and distributor of aviation books. Their long running series on in-depth design and operational histories of various aircraft in the Luftwaffe continues with the publication of their comprehensive look at the Junkers Ju 52. What the C-47 was to the Allies, the Ju 52 was to the Axis. The trimotor transport served as the primary pre-war civil aviation aircraft for Germany and during the war it served on every front in the war in a wide variety of roles – bomber, transport, ambulance, minesweeper, and seaplane.

The F-15 sits up high on fragile bird like landing gear and let’s face it the plastic kit parts are pretty flimsy. This is where white metal landing gear come in.

Packaged on a cardboard backing with a plastic enclosure glued on the front, the parts are loose inside the packaging. There are three white metal parts, one for each landing gear. The three landing gear parts are made of white metal that looks blemish free, however, my example had the large support strut slightly bent. Nothing drastic or dramatic, it was easy enough to straighten out. I can’t find any seam lines on any of the pieces. All the pieces had one little attachment point that will need to be removed. Very small and easy enough to do with hobby knife and sandpaper.

The SAC metal landing gear is a stronger copy of the kit gear. An added bonus is that the landing gear are already partial built compared to the kit gear. The three gear struts are direct replacement gear for the kit ones.