Background

The Sukhoi Su-24 "Fencer" has been in service for the Russian air forces for over 40 years. It is a rugged, variable wing sweep bomber that is easy to fly and well liked by the two man crew. Several kits have been produced of this aircraft and recently, the Advanced Modeling Company, a supplier of great resin parts, has released some decal sets that depict the Fencer in modern markings.

In accordance with the agreement between Russia and Syria, a group of Russian aircraft were sent to the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, September 2015 to fly in support of the Syrian ground forces. During actual operations, the national insignias and registration numbers were overpainted. This could not be easily removed so areas of lighter gray can be seen behind the restored insignias and numbers on certain aircraft. This sheet contains seven different markings for Su-24s that have been operated out of the Khmeimim Air Base.

This is the second masking set designed for Eduard’s new MiG-21MF kits. The first set, CX511, provides masks not only for the canopy and the windscreen, but also for the HUD, the underwing landing lights, and the antenna panels on the vertical tail, the ventral fin, the wing leading edges and a number of smaller ones under the wings and fuselage. This set, CX512, adds additional masks allowing you to paint the interior color on the inside of the canopy instead of just on the outside. This will result in a much more realistic finish for the canopy, especially if you are going to pose it open. Like CX511, but unlike many of Eduard’s other masking sets, this one does not include masks for the tires or wheel hubs.

CMK has produced a very nicely detailed set of block treaded wheels for the 1/72 Special Hobby P-40/Kittyhawk kits. The supplied items include the block tread tires and separate hubs in two options. Although made for the Special Hobby P-40/Kittyhawk kits, these wheels should be adaptable to any of the 1/72 P-40/Kittyhawk IV kits currently on the market, for a smart upgrade to lackluster kit wheels.

The wheels are nicely molded from a 3D-printed master, with no flash or pitting. Tread detailing is fine on the tires, as are the two supplied options for the separate spoked or closed hubs.

Be sure to wash the parts in soapy water to remove mold release agents and prime prior to using your favorite modeling paints.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and CMK for the opportunity to review this item.

CMK has produced a very nicely detailed resin seat for the 1/72 Special Hobby P-40E/K/M & N-1 kits. The supplied items include the seat frame. Although made for the Special Hobby P-40 kits, with some prudent sanding to fit, the seat should be adaptable to any of the 1/72 P-40E/K/M and N-1 kits currently on the market. I dry-fitted to my Academy example (see photos).

The seat is nicely molded from a 3D-printed master, with no flash or pitting. Ribbed detailing is fine on both front and rear of the seat, and includes molded on harnesses.

Be sure to wash the parts in soapy water to remove mold release agents and prime prior to using your favorite modeling paints.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and CMK for the opportunity to review this item.

CMK has produced a very nicely detailed resin seat for the 1/72 Special Hobby Kittyhawk IV kit. The supplied items include the seat frame, with the British Sutton Harness molded on. Although made for the Special Hobby Kittyhawk IV kits, the seat should be adaptable to any of the 1/72 Kittyhawk IV kits currently on the market. I dry-fitted to my Academy example (see photos).

The seat is nicely molded from a 3D-printed master, with no flash or pitting. Ribbed detailing is fine on both front and rear of the seat, as are the molded on harnesses.

Be sure to wash the parts in soapy water to remove mold release agents and prime prior to using your favorite modeling paints.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and CMK for the opportunity to review this item.