More goodies from Eduard for the Revell 1/48 PV-1. In this review, we'll look at the Brassin wheels. Each set consists of two perfectly cast resin wheels with one hub molded in and a diamond tread. The second hub is separate. Also included is a PE fret with brake lines and covers if you need them for the outboard hub. A mask set is also included.

Removing the wheel from the hub takes a bit of time as the pour stub wraps around 20% of the tire. The treads need to be engraved once the removal is complete. The rest of the installation was a breeze and they take paint well. I used the covers, as my version had them mounted. The set replaces the main wheels only. And they are much better that the kit wheels (see the shot I included) with much better tread design and accuracy.

These are great and dress an already excellent kit nicely with better detail for a good price. Recommended. My thanks to Eduard and IPMS/USA for the chance to review them.

This Dutch publication from Violaero by authors Nico Braas and Srecko Bradic is chock-full of photos and detail drawings of Martin’s PBM in all its variants. They managed to pack a lot of good information into its 48 pages, with several photos which were new to me – and I’m a real Mariner fan.

When this item came up for review, I did a little research and found early P-61's didn't have a connection for the external fuel tanks (but they were soon added). Those thirsty engines needed more fuel for ferrying and long range runs, sond to accommodate that, they came up with a fuel tank with an aerodynamic fairing behind it that fit where the turret would ultimately end up. Great Wall's first release of the Black Widow is a perfect selection for Quickboost’s latest release, an external fuel tank. The set consists of two parts, a tank insert and the fairing behind it. Installation is simplicity itself. The main tank fits right into the hole which is blanked off normally. The aerodynamic fairing needs its flash sanded off and to be glued in place and, if you want, a fuel line could be added.

This is a great add-on for early P-61's. It is easy, simple, and adds interest to the kit. Recommended. My thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the review sample.

A short time ago, I got the Scale Aircraft Conversions landing gear for the T-33/ F/94 in 1/48 scale and was amazed by the fine detail.

Now, I am going to build my second T-33A by Platz in 1/72 and this time I have been given the SAC set. Wow, what a difference.

I thought the 1/48 set was great but this one is better. It includes all the parts in super detail. It even includes the landing lights. I really don’t know how they can get such fine detail in a metal casting, but I’ll take it.

Looking closely, I noticed that the tires need a slight cleanup on the tread part to get rid of a small seam line. This effort should take less than a minute.

I would highly recommend this and all of the SAC landing gears. They add that extra pop to any model.

I wish to thank Russ with Scale Aircraft Conversions and Steve Collins at IPMS/USA for giving me this set to review. Can’t wait to do more.

Most books covering the P-51 Mustang begin with the design and development phase. It’s not uncommon for the books to mention briefly that Mustangs were sent to England early in the war and the deficiencies they had. The authors explain that soon after, the Rolls Royce Merlin replaced the original Allison engine. Generally, from this point forward, the authors describe what a great fighter the P-51 was – and rightfully so, but the original Allison-powered aircraft is all but ignored.

Author Martyn Chorlton doesn’t take that path in his new book, Allison-Engined P-51 Mustang. He describes what a great airplane this was in operations other than those of the high-altitude fighter – e.g., dive-bombing, low-level reconnaissance, and ground-attack.