The 1/32 B-17G by HK Models was a kit that I really wanted to get my hands on, and last year I finally acquired one. I have been waiting to build it, slowly getting aftermarket pieces for the kit. When I had a chance to review the Master Model .50 cal. brass machine gun barrels, I jumped at it.

The package contains 13 turned-brass barrels, 13 brass cooling jackets with drilled holes and 4 brass flash suppressors. Right out of the package, I could see these were of very good quality. When I compared them to the kit barrels it was no contest; the kit barrels were so crude one would think that HK made a mistake. First, they were too thin. Next, they had 4 different lengths, and finally, the blast suppressors looked like cones on the ends. The Master Model barrels are about as perfect as you can get and the quality is first rate.

While assembling the Master Model barrels, I found that little bits of brass flash from the holes in the cooling jackets were still attached inside. The brass flash would get hung up when I tried to slide a cooling jacket over a barrel. You can use a thick piece of wire or the right size drill bit shoved through the cooling jackets to clean the brass from inside the tubes. After completing that step, it was a breeze to assemble. A little drop of CA will hold the two pieces together, with a drop for the blast suppressors, and you’re done. I then removed the machine gun receiver from the sprue and drilled the right size hole for the brass barrels to fit. Using another drop of CA, I attached the barrels, and man did those .50 cal. look good. Just like the real thing.

I highly recommend getting a set of these Master Model barrels to anyone building the 1/32 B-17. They really improve the look of the guns by leaps and bounds.

Thanks to Model Master for the aftermarket gun barrels and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review the item.