Painting

I asked for the opportunity to try this new product from the imaginative modeling studios of Mig Jimenez. As many modelers realize, Mr. Jimenez has a vast collection of modeling paints and primers. However, with these new Dio Drybrush paints, he has unleashed a great new line of special effects into the world of dry brushing. This new line comes in a variety of 27 paint products which will allow most modelers the opportunity to further our dry brushing skills.

Two colors were initially sent to me to preview: Light Grey, A.MIG-0601 and Panzer Grey, A.MIG-0604.

I quickly set up a model with three different base colors to see my initial impressions and what results I could get using DIO DRYBRUSH paints. I should also admit being reasonably new to the world of dry brushing and recognize I have much yet to learn about this art form.

Brengun is known as a prolific manufacturer of accessories and aftermarket items. Over the years I have purchased or reviewed some 15 to 20 after-market items like this product being reviewed and I have yet to find any deficiencies in any of those products. The Mk. XVII Depth Charge set lives up to the standards that I have come to expect from Brengun.

This version of the Mk XVII Depth Charge is designed to be delivered by an aircraft and can be used to enhance any number of aircraft that the modeler currently has on their workbench, both serving in the military branches for the United States and its allies. As prepared by Brengun, there are components for two Mk. XVII’s included in this package. Also included are the “bomb” racks which connect the depth charge to the aircraft.

Scale Aircraft Conversions now has thirty years of experience supplying resin and white metal parts to model builders, and their product listing continues to expand. This is the tenth landing gear set from SAC that I have reviewed, and once again, they have provided an excellent metal option for kit-supplied landing gear. This set is intended for the 1/48 scale F-14D Tomcat that was recently released by AMK (kit 88007). The purpose of this replacement set is to provide stronger landing gear that is adjustable if necessary, to obtain the proper angles. Even with no previous experience in using white metal parts, this set will provide an upgrade that most modelers will have no issue installing.

I’ll be honest. I’ve never heard of HMH Publications or Duke Hawkings before I had the opportunity of reviewing the first book of this series (Sepecat Jaguar). But I am very glad to have been introduced to them. These books exude quality.

The quality goes both on the content that is covered (i.e. level of detail) and the printing. The paper quality is super, with a satin finish. All pictures are in color, with proper exposure and very sharp focus, so all details are crisp.

The pictorial book is split in the following sections: Action, Cockpit, Fuselage, Weapons, Maintenance. As you can imagine, the pictures have very descriptive and relevant captions, helping you understand what detail is being highlighted in each image. Not only are you getting all the walk-around images you need for your build, you are also learning details of the aircraft as you read along.

By now many of us have delved into the Airfix new tool 1/48 P-51 Mustang series. In spite of what are awesome kits out of the box, Quickboost has found an area the kit could use an upgrade. This consists of a drop-in replacement for the kit exhaust parts. The Mustang came with two variations of the exhaust pipes. This detail set provides the unshrouded type that were visible back inside the cowling. A comparison of the Quickboost parts with the kits reveals a number of improvements including a better overall sharpness of casting, hollowed ends and mounting bolts at the ends that go inside the cowling. Removal of the casting blocks is as easy as a pass with a sharp knife.

These are recommended if you want to easily enhance a very visible part of your finished Mustang.

Thanks to Quickboost for the sample and to IPMS for sharing it with me to review.