Quickboost has released a set of 3 pitot tubes applicable to F-104s produced by any manufacturer. The pitot tubes are scaled nicely, which means that they are very small in diameter with a nice taper leading to a very delicate tip. A great feature provided by Quickboost is a molded mounting pin, about 16th inch in length, that will fit into a hole in the nose of the model receiving the pitot tube. This mounting pin provides sufficient surface area at the point of attachment to secure the tube in a snug fashion.

Quick, clean, and easy to use, requiring no cleanup, this Quickboost product will add to the appearance of any F-104 on the market.

The product is highly recommended. Thanks to Quickboost for providing this sample item to IPMS, and to IPMS for the opportunity to review this very fine accessory.

IN THE BOX

The kit replicates the back engine housing/afterburner assembly used on the F-14A Tomcat. Material is made from resin and is gray in color. Also included is a photo etched sheet of afterburner nozzles. All the parts were in excellent condition.

CONSTRUCTION

Initially, I trimmed the engine housing exhaust and afterburner housing. The end sprue material was not needed. I painted the interior prior to the assembly of the fan blades, can interior, and afterburners. Note: the F-14 kit I used did not have a “kit part” as noted in the instructions. I was able to adapt this exhaust nozzle kit to the F-14A Testor’s kit. It worked just fine – I did have to make some adjustments, however.

FINISH

The paint used was store-bought spray primer (gray), ModelMaster enamel (steel), and on the outside exhaust housing I used acrylic (steel).

COMMENTS

This kit can be assembled by any age model builder. The plans are very easy to follow.

I received this conversion set with great anticipation and look forward to installing it on my latest venture.

I have built quite a few Tamiya 1/32nd Phantom kits since its debut, a total of 77, to be exact. (I know this guy's lying…but it's true.) I used to build for a decal manufacturer that had over 100 decal sets for the F-4 and he wanted a model built for every one of them, all in 1/32nd. Well, he is out of business, so now I build for myself. I have used just about every aftermarket product out there for the F-4 and I'm always looking for something new. Eduard has come aboard with a very nice exhaust nozzle set.

Opening the package revealed some nice protective foam and each assembly was in its own plastic bag. No damage or lost parts. You get direct replacement parts for two engine intakes, discharges, tubes, and nozzles. Also included is a new arresting hook. All the parts are of a very high quality resin casting and photo etch.

A couple of new products from Wheeliant are two sets of Early Wheel Chocks for the U.S. Navy. They are cast in grey resin and come with simple details to set them apart. The instructions are adequate for assembly but give no painting directions.

Set 132-008, which is the "Blocks with Fixed Bar," comes with some small wire for the release fitting on the chocks. I had to drill and file the holes in the blocks to accommodate the bar. Only took a couple of seconds. Be sure you adjust the blocks to the wheel dimensions you are going to use them on before gluing the release cable and holder (piece # R-4). They are a sloppy fit and require a little more glue than you might expect, ultimately fixing the bar in place permanently.

What a great time to be a modeler! Zoukei-Mura continues their excellent 1/32 scale releases with an A-1H Skyraider. The kit is stunning with the option to fold the wings already included, great cockpit detail, and a full interior. Other options include positionable air brakes, a highly detailed engine, detailed gun bays, and many other options.

The kit is available now and Zoukei-Mura also allows the modeler the option of adding even more aftermarket to it as options, with a complete weapons set (that could be used for other aircraft and is excellently detailed), metal landing gear, turned cannon barrels, and a variety of photoetch and decals. I love the fact these are options, in that it gives the modeler a choice of how far he want to go with his own build and cost.