Many Americans are familiar with the X-Planes developed in the USA. You would be hard-pressed to find an aircraft modeler who is not familiar with the X-1, X-3, X-15, and any of the other experimental aircraft developed over the years. Ask those same modelers to describe the HP.115 XP941, the XG900, or the Payen PA-49, and you might be greeted with a blank stare.

In 300 pages this excellent publication makes available much information about the X-Planes of Europe for the first time. The authors, Tony Buttler and Jean-Louis Delezenne, are experts in their chosen fields. Tony Buttler was a metallurgist for 20 years before becoming a freelance aviation historian specializing in the design and development of military aircraft. X-Planes is Buttler’s 16th book and he has also written a large number of articles for aviation magazines.

Taken from the Iliad website, the description for this line of products reads, “Each set of pages provides ACTUAL PAINT CHIPS (not just printed reproductions) for the colours and schemes described! These have been carefully researched and produced to match the original factory production colours as closely as possible. Each Aircraft Colour Chart set also provides brief chronological descriptions of the various camouflage schemes as they evolved, and also one or more pages depicting typical camouflage patterns for the schemes covered. The heavy cardstock pages are drilled for insertion into either a 3-ring or an ISO binder, and the assembled collection will provide you with a superb colour reference.”

Taken from the Iliad website, the description for this line of products reads, “Each set of pages provides ACTUAL PAINT CHIPS (not just printed reproductions) for the colours and schemes described! These have been carefully researched and produced to match the original factory production colours as closely as possible. Each Aircraft Colour Chart set also provides brief chronological descriptions of the various camouflage schemes as they evolved, and also one or more pages depicting typical camouflage patterns for the schemes covered. The heavy cardstock pages are drilled for insertion into either a 3-ring or an ISO binder, and the assembled collection will provide you with a superb colour reference.”

The Product

It’s packaged in a simple zip-lock poly sleeve attached to apiece of card-stock sporting a pair of maple leafs. Ultracast has managed to produce a high quality resin casting of the early style Mustang wheels. The rims have the correct spoke pattern and include the valve stem; however, the brake line connection is correct only for the left side, since the pair are from the same mold. It’s not really a big deal and can easily be corrected by simply scraping off the fluid bolt and moving it to mirror the other wheel. I detected no flaws in the quality of the mold or the resins used.

The Bottom Line

Part for part, Ultracast has always had the finest aftermarket parts for the Mustang. These wheels are no different. I recommend these wheels to any true Mustang lover.

My Thanks to Ultracast and to IPMS for allowing me the chance to inspect and review such a fine item.

The Product:

Attached to apiece of folded card-stock in a simple zip-lock poly bag, I found a pair of finely cast resin seats. The detail and quality is simply amazing. And is just what the Doctor ordered to cure the ho-hum kit seat part syndrome. The seat is correctly fitted out with the Sutton harness and backrest cushion, the rolled pan and tube seat construction is faithfully represented.

Some people prefer ‘photo etch belts’ vs. the ‘cast in mold’ harness belts, and of course this is just my opinion, but I like the molded harness belts a lot better, and for several different reasons, plus when they look like these do I’m a very happy camper.

The Bottom Line:

Awesome product I give it a 5 star rating. I highly recommend it to anyone at any skill level.

Thanks:

My Thanks to ULTRACAST and to IPMS for allowing me the chance to inspect and review such a fine item.