The F-14, now retired from Navy service, is one of my favorite airplanes. Blame “Top Gun” and “The Final Countdown”. Who can forget the immortal line, “Splash the Zeros!”? Anyhow, the Academy F-14 is a nice kit and much cheaper than the Hasegawa kit. There are a couple of options for those wanting to add more detail. Aires provides three separate options for the turkey feathers – closed, open and varied positioned. This review is for the varied positioned offering.

The F-14 exhaust section can be seen in any of the positions, which is why Aires offers the varied set. Normally, while sitting on the ground following the shutdown procedures, the nozzles are controlled hydraulically. During the shutdown, it is normal for the right nozzle to be closed and the left one opened. It makes for a unique look. Here is a good synopsis of what happens: http://www.anft.net/f-14/f14-detail-engine.htm

For me at least, an important and particularly enjoyable aspect of every aircraft modeling project is the research into the details of both the machine and the man (or men) who flew it. Consequently, as a Spitfire aficionado, I was most pleased when I received ‘Johnnie’ Johnson’s autobiography, which recounts the personal story of the top scoring Allied fighter pilot of the Second World War. First published in 1956 (this edition was published in 2010), Johnson provides a gripping, first person account of his path through the war, distinctively told in terms of individual epochs rather than linear time. As such, it does not read like a chronological documentary, instead providing the modern reader a uniquely individual perspective of major historical events as they appeared to the eyes of a participant for whom the future outcome was anything but certain.

One of the easiest things to do with an aircraft model, at least for me, is to knock off the pitot tube, especially on the nose of my models. Well, thanks to Master Model Poland, that won’t be a factor anymore.

This turned metal pitot tube is perfectly formed with the proper taper. Mounting it is as easy as replacing the kit one. Drill a hole and that is it.

I can’t find anything wrong with this upgrade. You won’t find a better product of this delicate item. This, as with all the Master items, is manufactured to exact specifications and it looks absolutely perfect.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Master Model and IPMS/USA for the review copy.

If you know me, you know I flew AH-1F Cobras in the US Army for over 10 years. The weapon system that was on the nose was the 20mm M197 Cannon. To say I was familiar with the subject of this review would be an understatement.

Master provides you with three exquisitely turned metal cannon barrels and associated clamps. Also provided is a small photo etch fret that contains the various clamps, such as the mid and end-barrel clamps and locking devices.

I could not believe the level of detail that the barrels contain. Every facetted side and a hollow end exhibits superior quality. There is absolutely nothing missing from these barrels. They are perfect miniature barrels. Perfect.

The only thing you have to do to these is assemble them and replace the kit barrels. The difference in look between these and the kits parts is quite impressive. The addition of these barrels to your MRC AH-1W Cobra will dramatically add to the realism of your model.

Quickboost has always helped out the modeler by providing hollowed-out exhausts and other drop-in replacements for kit parts. This latest addition is the fishtail version of the Spitfire exhausts. It is molded perfectly in light grey resin with perfectly hollowed-out exhaust stacks. The fishtail would have made it near impossible for me to do that same amount of detail.

Like all of the Quickboost items, clean up is easy and you just have to replace the kit part. Easy, inexpensive and perfectly cast.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the review copy.