One of the last things I add to an aircraft model before calling it complete is the pitot tube. It's too easy to break off otherwise. If it didn't have such an important function and was not so noticeable on the aircraft, I think I'd leave it off.

A French engineer named Henri Pitot invented the pitot tube in the 18th century. It was a device to measure pressure and determine the velocity of a fluid flowing past it. It has since been modified and significantly improved to determine the airspeed of an aircraft. Today's sophisticated pitot tube measures the air pressure as the aircraft "flows" through the air.

We have three 1/48-scale pitot tubes from Master Models to review. They are for: the Republic F-105, the Convair F-106, and the BAE Hawk T.1. Each one is a small work of art, beautifully turned brass or aluminum. Their accurate shape and thickness will certainly improve the looks of the finished model. In addition, the metal will add strength to a part so frequently broken.

F-105 Pitot Tube, AM-48-045, $5.50

First, we will look at the pitot for the F-105. This aircraft was the largest single-seat, single-engine combat aircraft in history. Its pitot tube extended far from the nose of the aircraft. It is a prominent feature and will be easily noticed. The Master pitot tube will enhance the looks of this model significantly. The difference in the Master pitot and the kit pitot is clearly shown in the photograph. Note the amount of clean-up required on the kit part even to approach the finish of the Master part.

However, the Master pitot tube does not fit to the model without some modifications. The kit part has a larger flare at the attachment end than does the brass part. This is noticeable in the photographs.

The fix is simple, but not explained in the mounting instructions. As depicted in the F-106 instructions, cut the tube off "about" 1.5mm from the base, discard the tube and mount the base on the model, then drill a 1.0mm hole in the base and glue the metal tube in place.

F-106 Pitot Tube, AM-48-046, $5.50

The F-106 Delta Dart served in the USAF from the 1960s into the 1980s. It was the primary and last dedicated all-weather interceptor in the Air Force. Like the F-105, the F-106 utilized a nose mounted pitot tube. Again, the Master pitot tube beats the kit part in looks and clean up.

Like the tube for the F-105, the base of the kit pitot has a larger flare than the Master part. The directions for mounting the Master tube are similar to mounting the F-105 tube. Cut the flared end off the kit part "about" 1.5mm from the base, discard the tube, and glue the base in place. Then drill a 1.0mm hole in the base and glue the metal tube in place.

BAE Hawk T.1 Pitot Tube, AM-48-038. $5.50

The BAE Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft or low-cost combat aircraft. The Royal Air Force “Red Arrows” flight demonstration unit and about 18 other countries around the world use it.

Like the two previous aircraft, the Hawk has its pitot on the nose of the aircraft. However, the tube is attached above the nose rather than being an extension of the nose. I'm sorry I don't have a BAE Hawk kit to make a comparison between the kit part and Master's part. However, I did find a description of the kit part as a lump of plastic. While, in fact, it may not be quite this severe, Master's tube is beautifully turned for such a small piece.

The metal tube mounts directly on the model without any modifications or trimming of the original parts. This is another perfect representation of the real thing.

All three Master pitot tubes are smoothly finished without any burrs or tool marks. They are accurate in size and shape. Each tube is simple to mount to the airframe. And, best of all, they are reasonably valued. There is no doubt that much more will be saved in clean up time and possible breakage. Based on these findings, I can easily recommend each item. I'm looking forward to having them on my models.

My thanks to Master Models and IPMS/USA for these items to review.