A feature that you can quickly notice on modern Russian aircraft is the complicated nose pitot tube. Although AMK made a valiant effort in molding the MiG-31 pitot tube with its four separate vanes, the limits of the injection molding process come into play.

Notable is the superb re-sealable packaging that Master Model uses that makes the parts easy to review and then stuff back into the package securely until final assembly. The resin vane section is secured in a high density foam block that is backed with some sort of adhesive tape to minimize the resin vanes from being moved around, or crushed for that matter. You will want to be careful handling the metal and resin parts as their small size makes them an easy sacrifice to the carpet monster. The resin part is especially easy to break one or more of the vanes in handling (as I had happen on a previous Master pitot set), so be sure to handle with care.

Assembling the resin and brass nose pitot tube is quite simple due to the excellent fit. Mounting the assembly to the nose cone is where the fun comes in. You will need to shave off the front of the plastic nose cone until the taper from the brass matches up. Take it slow and easy and you will get there. Master’s instruction sheet notes that there is still a small step from the machined brass pitot tube base and the AMK plastic nose cone. Make sure you follow the directions to get the proper alignment of the resin vanes, they should be horizontal.

Be sure to use your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the resin or brass. You will also want to be careful painting the pitot tubes to retain their sleek nature.

Highly recommended! This set is a super upgrade over the injected kit parts, especially with the pitot tube resin vanes included. This excellent pitot tube will point you in the right direction!

Thanks to Master Model and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.