Quickboost has come out with a very nice aftermarket set of correct engine cowls for the 1/72 Academy P-38 Lightning. Right out of the clear packaging I could see that they did a very nice job in detail and size.

I took the kit cowls out and noticed I had to glue on the lower radiator intakes. The intakes did not fit very well, and would have to be filled and sanded. I then compared both cowls and you can see in the photos the kit lower intakes are bigger and thicker than the Quickboost. The scoops on the side look much nicer and are hollow, whereas the kit scoops are solid. After comparing them I started the task of cutting the Kit cowls off and installing the Quickboost ones. I used a very thin saw blade to do the job. Be careful and take your time so as not to ruin the rear cowls of the kit.

Once I removed the Kit cowls I dry fit the aftermarket ones, and they fit very nice right out of the box. I only needed to do some minor sanding and fitting to get them perfect, then proceeded to install them with CA glue. Once glued, I just needed to sand where needed and re-scribe the panel lines. I then installed the cowls and booms onto the wings. I had to remove a section of plastic that runs between the two sides of the wing to fit the Quickboost cowls into the wing. After a little cutting, sanding, and fitting, everything looked good and I glued them up. Once together the new cowls looked great.

I have to give Quickboost two big thumbs up for these aftermarket cowls. They fit great, look even better, and are well worth the time and money.

Thanks to Quickboost for the engine covers and to IPMS for the opportunity to review them.