Many, many thanks to Mr. Richard Harden of Tom’s Modelworks for providing this beautiful ship model enhancement set for review. I am also deeply appreciative of the IPMS Reviewer staff who tirelessly support a very large group of reviewers. I am delighted to report on my experience with this neat product.
Quickboost has added the bomb bay pistons for the F-102A to their line of resin aircraft accessories. This latest addition is molded in a gray resin, it’s smooth, seamless and bubble free. The package label says that it is for a bomb bay but it is actually called a missile bay because the F-102 was an interceptor not a bomber.
Comparing the Quickboost parts to the Meng parts you will see that the Meng pistons are molded to the missile bay doors and that the Quickboost pistons have a more 3D look to them because they are separate parts. To use the Quickboost parts you will have to shave off the molded on pistons and replace them with the new Quickboost parts. Removal of the Quickboost parts is very easy because they have a little bit of a perforation and can be removed from the mold block with a hobby knife.
I very highly recommend this product if you want a nice and detailed F-102A. I would like to thank Quickboost and IPMS USA for the chance to do this review.
Code-named “Akula” by NATO and Project 971 Щука-Б (Shchuka-B, 'Shchuka' meaning pike) by the Russian Navy, this nuclear-powered attack submarine was first deployed by the Soviet Navy in 1986. In all, 15 Akula class attack boats have been built, spanning 4 distinct subclasses, with the original 7 commissioned between 1984 and 1990, six upgraded boats between 1991 and 2009, and one-each offshoots in 1995 and 2001 respectively.
Model Art is known for high quality magazines, with excellent photographs that guide the modeler through some impressive builds. This publication continues that tradition.
This publication focuses on one of Japan’s best known aircraft from World War II, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. It is important to note that the publication is presented in Japanese. English-speakers will have no trouble relying upon the excellent maps and images in order to enjoy the book.
And, enjoy you will! The book begins with an outstanding illustration of a Zero, banking into a turn, by artist Y. Sakaida. He successfully captures the beauty and power of the Zero in this effort, and this illustration sets the tone for the publication.
This set covers what is not included in the bomb bay set: the racks themselves, latches and placards in color etch, bomb carry racks, tail section cover plates for the bombs, fuse propellers (front and back), and some cats and dogs for the lift mechanisms.
This was one of the more difficult sets to review, in that you must remove plastic side rails on the racks without destroying the racks themselves, and then fit the cover sheet metal plates over the bomb release shackles, (which also require modification before the PE will work). It took a while, but I got there, just no magnifiers when viewing, please.
I will be installing the bombs toward the end of the build, but it’s pretty self-evident these parts will make a difference in the appearance of the bombs themselves.
As noted in the other reviews, more high marks for Eduard for this series of PE upgrades; 10 of 10. Thanks again for the review items!
