NOTE: Two cockpit sets are virtually the same, with only a few parts different.

To go along with Aires’ new A6M5 Zero wheel bay set, Aires released two cockpit sets. The sets are virtually the same, and are intended for use with the same base kit. The differences are that one set offers an A6M5 Zero, while the second set is the A6M5b Zero. The -b Zero featured various upgraded avionics within the cockpit. Comparing the two sets, minor differences are seen, including different controls and avionics boxes. As with all Aires sets the castings are well done and are cast in grey and beige resin. While the casting in grey resin was excellent in my samples, the beige castings featured quite a bit of flash, and did not seem to have the crisp detail that Aires is known for. In my opinion, this is not a fault of Aires, but more due to the type of resin used.

I have a number of Osprey’s “How-To” Masterclass books in my library and have benefited from and enjoyed every one of them. This latest volume by Alex Clark is no exception. “Small-Scale Armour Modelling” (yes, I know, it’s not spelled correctly in US English) is a wonderful look at the world of small-scale armor - my favorite modeling subject.

This book (like the Osprey Steve Zaloga armor Masterclass book I reviewed earlier this year) is presented in a hardcover format with a spiral-type wire binding. I really like this feature because it allows you to use the book as a handy desk reference while working, since it stays open to the page you need without having to crack the binding to keep it open. The page stock is nice and heavy and the printing quality is top-notch, with full-color photography used throughout to illustrate many of the how-to ideas in the book.

The book is presented in eight concise and easy to read chapters. They are as follows:

Published bi-monthly, I am sure I am repeating myself, but this has to be one of (if not THE) the finest quality modeling magazines on the market today. 65 pages of some of the best quality workmanship I’ve seen. Also, the column “Air Born” contains all the new releases in kits, tools, decals, resin and PE aftermarket bits, etc., and in this issue, a photo essay of the Mustang in combat and a series of photos of a Dutch AH 64 operating in Afghanistan. This time the subject contents are as follows:

This book is an in-depth look at the Ju 87. When the title says a complete history, it means just that! This book covers the development of the Stuka up to modern day survivors. It has coverage of each variant as well as every area of combat in which the Stuka fought.

The first two chapters cover the development and genus of the design. Touching on its competitors as well and giving interesting comparisons. This is followed by the next six chapters. Each of which covers the specifics of each of the following variants, the Anton, Bertha, Caesar and Richard as well as their use in combat both theoretical and actuality. Operations in Poland at the onset of WWII are also covered. I found Chapter Five on the “C” variant for use on the carrier Graf Zeppelin particularly informative and interesting.

Quickboost continues with its excellent replacement seats with one for the Dragon/Trimaster Me163A. The seat comes with a small pour block which is on the bottom and easily cut off and sanded smooth.I had an old Trimaster kit and the picture shows just what an improvement it is with thinner edges and beautifully molded in seat belts. This product is highly recommended for the Dragon or Trimaster kit.

My thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the review sample.