One of the differences between the MiG-15 and the MiG-15bis, in addition to a newer and more powerful engine, is the gun configuration in the nose. It is not readily noticeable, but there are differences in the 23mm cannons and their fairings.

The MiG-15 was equipped with one N-37 37mm cannon and two NS-23 23mm cannons in a drop down tray on the bottom of the nose fairing. This was the standard configuration until improvements were made in the MiG-15bis. The MiG-15bis received two NR-23 cannons, which had a higher rate of fire and an improved ammunition system. The cowling also changed with bulged ejection chutes. The fairings on the newer guns were also shorter than their predecessors.

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was developed for the US Navy as a two-seat, twin-engine, supersonic jet fighter, entering service in 1960. It was eventually adopted for use by the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force. Capable of speeds over Mach 2, the Phantom could be armed with air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, a variety of bombs, and eventually an M61 Vulcan rotary cannon. Setting records for performance from the beginning, it held both the absolute speed record and the absolute altitude record for a time. Used extensively during the Vietnam War, the F-4 became the primary air superiority fighter for both the Navy and Air Force. The Phantom served in the Gulf War in 1991 in reconnaissance and Wild Weasel roles, and was eventually retired in 1996.

Lifelike Decals continues to release aftermarket sets of decals for 1/32 scale Fokker D.VIIs. Each set provides national insignia and personal markings for four colorful aircraft. The latest two sets were released at the same time a few months ago and offer marking options for aircraft built by various manufacturers. Set number 32-018, Fokker D.VII Part 3, includes markings for the following aircraft:

Ultracast from Canada has released several detail sets for the Eduard Spitfire MkIX in 1/48 scale.

This particular set is a drop-in replacement for the Spitfire Cockpit door. It has been casted in a pale cream-colored resin with a delicate pour stub that will make removal an easy task.

As you can see, the finish is very smooth and the surface detail is delicate and petite. It includes the crowbar, a small handle, and the forming ribs of the door. A note of caution, I believe the crowbar was painted silver during WWII, and it was only after the war that they got painted red. Check your references.

I recommend this replacement part for modelers of all levels, except novices.

I would like to thank Ultracast and IPMS/USA for the review sample.

Ultracast from Canada has released several detail sets for the Eduard Spitfire MkIX in 1/48 scale.

This particular set is a drop-in replacement for the Spitfire tubular exhaust. It has been casted in a pale cream-colored resin with a delicate pour stub that will make removal an easy task.

As you can see, the surface is very smooth and the detail is delicate with thin, hollow exhausts. While the plastic parts are also hollow, this resin set allows for insertion after painting.

To use the resin exhausts, you only need to add the provided exhaust supports to the model’s nose in the step where you would add the original kit exhaust pieces. The rest of the assembly can continue as usual, and once painting and finishing is complete, you simply add the resin exhaust by gluing it to the exhaust support added during construction.

It is a simple detail that makes painting and masking a much easier task, and it is highly recommended.