This set from Scale Aircraft Conversions is designed for the new 1/48 F6F Hellcat kits from Hobby Boss. There are nine beautifully cast metal parts in the set, and the quality is an improvement over the kit parts. Not that the kit parts are bad, but these SAC parts are very nicely done. As usual, there are no instructions provided, but since the metal parts are direct replacements for the plastic parts, it should be no problem for the average modeler to figure out where everything goes. As you probably already know, cyanoacrylate (CA) glue must be used on these parts.

There are very slight mold seams on the metal parts which will require cleanup, but you would have to do that with the kit parts anyway. I test fitted the main gear leg in the hole provided in the upper wing of the kit, and the fit was snug and solid. This set contains some very small and delicate parts and care will need to be taken when handling them.

The OH-6 is a compact light helicopter used for observation, light transport, training and light attack. This particular boxing depicts a Japanese aircraft used in the observation role.

This kit looks to be the Academy kit reboxed for Hasegawa. The molds have been around for quite some time but the moldings don’t show its age. The plastic is typical Hasegawa light grey plastic on four sprues. The plastic was quite shiny and polished. My review copy doesn’t have any flash or blemishes. The panel lines are recessed. There is a sprue of eight dark grey resin parts that includes antennas, FLIR, tail lights and spotlights. The resin pieces will require some careful cleanup but they look really great.

A sprue of clear styrene has the nose and windows.

Aires’ new design, which enhances the Electronic Bays, is easily a step up from Trumpeter’s bays. Aires found a weak spot in this area of the A-4 and designed more realistically detailed bays, as you can see in the comparison picture of just how much more detailed the Aires bays look. This kit is a definite upgrade which can be easily detected by anyone admiring your model.

Squadron has released a new cockpit set for the Roden T-28B/C. Molded in bubble- and blemish-free medium grey resin, the detail included is far superior to what can be offered in plastic. The instrument panels have some impressive detail, especially the rear cockpit which includes the coaming and the wiring in the rear of the panel.

This set contains parts for the cockpit tub, two seats, rear bulkhead, side panels, instrument panels (both front and back), rudder pedals, sticks, and throttles. I don’t think there is anything left to add to the inside. I don’t know for sure, but I’ll bet that Jeff Verswyvel was heavily involved in the development. Jeff was the proprietor and master maker for Avionix and Black Box. This is up to the typical work I expect from this master modeler.

If there is a downside to this set, it has to be that the packaging can’t be closed up after the parts are inspected.

OK this is the neatest set I’ve seen in a while. You are treated to two intake covers, eight grab handles, and a decal sheet. A decal sheet? Yes printed in white lettering you can customize your cover with the squadron designation. I count over ten units before my eyes went buggy. That is a real neat treat.

The intake covers and handles are molded perfectly in light olive resin. The decal sheet has a protective cover that covers the 2.5 x 3.5 water slide decal sheet. Simply assemble the grab handles to the covers. Paint red. And then add the unit decals. You can weather them as you see fit. The real things are plastic and can get abused.

This is a great way to hide the seam on the intake trunking. Another great product from Quickboost.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Aires and IPMS/USA for the review copy. You can obtain yours by contacting www.quickboost.net or your local hobby shop or online retailer.