Master Model is a Polish company. The owner is Piotr Czerkasow who is a mechanical engineer by trade. Piotr is also a scale modeler.

I have used Master Model detail parts in several previous builds, and I have always been more than pleased with the results. Some of the parts in these sets may be extemely small, even in 1/48th scale and require care in handling to avoid loss. I was planning to purchase this particular set for a Tamiya Skyraider that is on my "must do soon" list. Normally kit plastic parts (gun barrels) have blunt ends that must be drilled out for added realism. I find that with multiple gun barrels at least one, maybe two, or three, and sometimes four!! end up with off center openings, looking rather odd as a result. The Tamiya Skyraider kit 61058 dates back to 1998, and suffers from the lack of more recent molding methods, such as slide molds. However this kit must be rated more than top notch. The kit's pitot tube appears overly thick, with molding seam lines down both sides and a general lack of chrispness. Eliminating the seams can result in flat surfaces or a broken part. For me these parts are often difficult to deal with and in the end detract from the finished model. The Master brass replacement parts are miniature works of art.

Replacing the kit parts with the brass items is quite simple and will go a long way to improving the over all appearance of the finished model. Cut off the plastic parts if molded in place and drill the appropriated size opening for the brass parts to fit into. The Tamiya Skyraider the parts are fitted into molded openings in the wings and vertical stabilizer leading edges. This makes the replacement all that easier.

Words of caution here: although the brass parts are quite durable, the actual mount may be a bit fragile and the parts may be lost if knocked off if installed early in the build process. I normally install the brass parts after all the painting, decaling and weathering is completed. I generally use a slow-setting super glue to fix the parts in place once everything is properly aligned.

After the brass parts are fixed in place they will add a real sense of realism to the finished model. If you have not yet tried this product line you are missing out. I am sold and will use them often.

A big plus for the brass parts is the realistic and in-scale muzzle blast hiders. The plastic parts do not even come close.

Finally, a special thank you to Master Model for allowing me to use their excellent on-line images of this product.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Master Model and IPMS/USA for the review copy. Check out the Master Model web site for retailers worldwide.