Want an easy upgrade to your 1/48 Sukhoi Su-11? Step right up to the new Quickboost Su-11 landing lights set that provide a beautiful replacement to what is supplied in the kit. The supplied instructions identify where new the Quickboost replacements go. The parts are packaged in the standard Quickboost re-closable packaging with a paper stiffener along with the instructions. These parts will fit the Trumpeter 2015 release of Sukhoi Su-11 (02898; Su-11 Fishpot).

Quickboost has molded the landing lights perfectly in light grey resin and clear resin with no apparent bubbles. The Quickboost landing lights are supplied 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, especially the landing light bulbs. I used a photo-etched razor saw to remove the parts and Scotch tape to surround the parts to keep them from flying into the carpet. The Quickboost resin lenses are thin and probably easily could be broken, so be careful. After removing, I used a small flat mini-file to remove any excess clear resin around the lens and test fitted until satisfied. The Quickboost lenses and bulbs will need a dip in Future to improve their clarity.

To get the Quickboost housing to fit, you will need to remove the Trumpeter ‘housing’ (Pic 1001 Kit). I used a # 51 Carbide drill bit to enlarge the hole and then used a mini round file to adjust the diameter of the hole. I then used Flexi-File sanding strips to smooth out the new opening (Pic 1002 Drilled). I did have concerns about a good fit, but I got the housing to snug-up on the first try (Pic 1003 Reflector). To place the bulb into the housing, I wet a round wooden toothpick and was able to pick up the bulb easily and drop the bulb tang into the housing hole (Pic 1003 Bulb). I did the same with the resin lens (Pic 1005 Lens). The housing reflector surface will need to be a bright polished metal in color. The landing light bulb will be secured with Future acrylic and allow it to dry. Just to make sure, I will add another drop of Future over the bulb and reflector to add some sparkle. Total preparation time for each landing light (outside of painting) is under ten minutes. I would recommend leaving the bulb and lens off until you finish painting the wings of the kit.

This product is a good way to enhance your Sukhoi Su-11 and well worth the time and cost. This product is highly recommended due to the superior appearance of the Quickboost parts.

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