Model-Master’s line of aftermarket detail parts now includes a 1/48 scale turned brass pitot tube designed to enhance any 1/48 Hawker Hunter (currently, that means an Academy or recently released Italeri kit). It is one of those small items that will dramatically improve the appearance of the finished model, something that becomes quite obvious when the metal part is compared to the injection molded kit part. Placing it next to the kit part clearly illustrates how much the injection molded plastic part is bulked up for manufacturing…resulting in something that is thicker than it should be. The photo below of the nicely tapered Master-Model metal part next to the kit part on the sprue demonstrates how much thicker (and shorter) the kit part really is.

The Master-Model pitot tube can be attached with super glue or epoxy cement. Then, a little filler may be needed to blend the hole in the wing’s leading edge after anchoring the smaller diameter metal tube. As noted in my review of the 1/72 version of this part, the thin metal tube will likely survive an occasional bump or two (but may cause more injury to the offending hand that may accidently bump it…so, be aware of its location on the finished model).

This part is highly recommended to anyone wishing to add detail to a 1/48 Hawker Hunter. My thanks go to Master-Model and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review the product.