Master Model has a knack for making impossibly small upgraded detail “kits” that are assembled from turned-metal parts and photoetch (PE). Previous highlights included the 1/72 scale six-barreled M61 Vulcan machine gun found in most modern US fighters, and the 1/72 GAU-8 Avenger gun tip, found at the business end of an A-10.

Now, Master has somewhat outdone themselves with two “kit” versions of the aircraft-carried WWII Mark 13 torpedo…in 1/350 scale:

• SM-350-72 - 1/350 USN Airborne torpedoes Mark 13 (22.4in) with trolleys - early type (10 pcs) - $14.50
• SM-350-73 - 1/350 USN Airborne torpedoes Mark 13 (22.4in) with trolleys - improved type (10 pcs) - $14.50

As you would expect from a “kit,” these torpedoes require assembly. Master Model has released both the early and late war aerial torpedoes. Both are well machined. The early torpedo features a simple folded PE set of fins and a two-part PE propeller. The late war improved version is turned with an additional round faring at the front of the torpedo, and also features a similar two-part PE propeller, however, it also requires a more complexly folded PE fin/propeller shroud at the rear.

As a nice bonus, Master also included some torpedo carrying carts that would look fantastic on a 1/350 scale carrier deck. These carts are a one-part folded PE affair.

These torpedoes are certainly an amazing bit of detail. However, due to their small size and the need for some complex PE work, they’re not for beginners—or the impatient for that matter. It appears that Master has provided a couple extras of each PE part on the fret, so one or two lost bits launched into orbit during assembly won’t spell disaster. This is a great, modeler-friendly practice that more PE producers could get in the habit of doing.

All-in-all, this is a great product for those with the skill and eyesight to tackle it. I’ve never been disappointed with a Master product, and I hope they continue to make these interesting, highly detailed, and “impossibly small” metal upgrade parts in the future.

My thanks to Master Models for the review samples, and to IPMS/USA for the chance to review it.