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

Master has produced replacement cannons of the early type, with sheathed barrels for any 1/72 Hawker Tempest early Mk V kits. This item is intended to completely replace the plastic kit parts. My example kit (a Maquette issue from Russia) is a Mk V, and my research indicates it is the correct version that this particular part issue would be appropriate for.

The parts instructions are graphic, with English text. They are easily understood, and offer some important cautions and sequencing for the assembly and use of the parts. A close-up evaluation of the parts (see photos), indicates a simple cut and replace installation that provides a realistic scale-detailed assembly with a significantly improved appearance to moulded plastic kit parts.

Some cautionary advice: for those without basic modeling experience, use very thin CA (Superglue) sparingly, to assemble and attach these metal parts to your plastic kit, as the usual plastic glues do not react with the metal. Painting of the gun cover and barrel assembly will be necessary, so check your references, and be sure to prime with the appropriate materials that are compatible with your preferred metallic paints. Painting of the gun-tip parts will be easier to complete, if done prior to assembly.

Overall, this is an excellent replacement set that will lend increased realism to your 1/72 early type Hawker Tempest. These sets can be purchased at no less than 8 US-based on-line distributors. Check out the Master Models website above to see if your go-to distributor carries them.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and Master – Reality in Miniature for the opportunity to review this item.