Master Model is a scale model metal detailing parts manufacturer located in Poland. Their lines include exquisitely detailed photo-etched and white metal replacement parts for aircraft and ships in the most commonly produced scales.

Master has produced a replacement nose pitot for the venerable old Monogram B-58 Hustler kit. Chances are that if you are tackling this aging kit, you’ll want some aftermarket goodies to dress up and/or supplement the old, brittle plastic parts where possible. The turned metal pitot is a clean plug-in replacement for the kit plastic part.

A side-by-side evaluation (see photos) indicates an identical replacement that provides a much more realistic assembly with a significantly improved abuse tolerance. My only very nit-picky reservation with this product is that the very tip of the pitot is so fine, that it is fragile and easily susceptible to bending and damage. The good news is that the Master part will survive more than one mishap and can be re-straightened, where as the kit’s plastic part would likely snap off and disappear. A good trade-off for what makes these parts such an accurate replacement.

Some cautionary advice: for those without basic modeling experience, use CA (Superglue) to attach these metal parts to your plastic kit, as the usual plastic glues do not react with the metal. Also, use care when handling the model after the pitot is installed, as a nose-first drop will have the same results as a surgical hypodermic needle. Painting of the tube should not be necessary, but check your references.

Overall, this is an excellent replacement that will lend increased realism to your Hustler.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and Master Model for the opportunity to review this item.