Thanks to Aires/Quickboost for providing more of their excellent aftermarket parts for IPMS USA to review, and to IPMS leadership for sending it my way.

Quickboost has earned (rightfully) a reputation for providing just a bit more detail on a given area of a model; seats, cowlings, engines, can all be improved drastically with their parts. This is also the case with this set - control levers for the New Italeri F-104G/S.

One pour stub holds six parts: three control column boots/bases, and three control columns with much improved detail on the grip assembly. Room for error or second kits.

In the side by side comparison, Italeri has provided an acceptable and accurate control column. Where Quickboost has been able to improve on the kit item is incorporating a more detailed trim button (the “Chinese hat” on which the pilot’s thumb can be used to trim roll and pitch axis), an improved gun trigger on the front of the column, and an intercom button on the left mid-section of the grip. There are also bolt recesses on the column.

One more little detail. Notice the zipper on the aft part of the canvas boot which encloses the lower stick and quadrant on the actual item. THAT is improved detail. You may not notice it on all views, and it is almost impossible to see once installed with the seat, but “it is there”. You know, true AMS.

Assembly requires no instructions. Use your favorite tool to carefully remove the column and grip from the pour stub, keeping the pin at the base intact. A razor saw or similar item will release the boot from the same pour stub. I pre-coated this with Tamiya spray gray primer, then painted the grip black with silver trim button and red microphone and gun trigger. The lower boot assembly was painted Khaki green. It may be black, leather, or dark brown on some aircraft, check your references. Install and you are done.

Once again, a worthwhile investment. Thanks to Aires/Quickboost for this magnificent item!