Aires Quickboost has released an easy set to convert the AMK 1/48 Aero L-29 Delfin to the L-29R reconnaissance version. The major differences were the camera bay that fits under the forward fuselage and the installation of semi-permanent auxiliary fuel tanks on the wing tips. The supplied instructions identify proper placement of the new Quickboost parts. If you have the older Planet Models 12448 resin model kit of the Aero L-29 Delfin, this set will probably work on it as well, although I do not have that kit to test fit.

Quickboost has molded the camera bay and the auxiliary fuel tanks perfectly in light tan resin with no apparent bubbles. The Quickboost auxiliary fuel tanks and camera bay are supplied on two resin sprue with thin resin attachments to the parts that should minimize any cleanup.

Although most paints will adhere to resin alone, I would recommend that you wash the parts to remove any remaining mold release and prime them first. They will need to be installed with your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the resin.

Be very careful removing the parts from the resin block.

I used a photo-etched razor saw to remove the parts and then touched up with a swipe of a sanding stick. Total preparation time for the camera bay pod was under five minutes. The underside of the forward camera bay pod has a nice locating hole that assures proper location of the camera bay pod. Prime Portal has a nice walk around of a L-29R airframe that includes a great close up of the camera bay pod.

The auxiliary fuel tanks preparation time was about fifteen minutes. You will want to be quite careful on removing the sprue from the wingtip fuel tanks. The wingtip fuel tanks feature both raised seams and recessed seams so you will want to be careful not to sand off the raised seams. Adding the wingtip fuel tanks will require removing the wingtips from the AMK kit along a panel line. Be aware that many L-29R aircraft are still flying and in many cases these wingtip fuel tanks are not always present.

This product is a good way to convert your AMK Aero L-29 to the L-29R reconnaissance version and well worth the time and cost. This product is highly recommended due to the superior appearance of the Quickboost parts and attention to detail.

Thanks to Aires Hobby Models and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.