Master Model out of Poland has released a number of pitot tubes turned from brass. This 1/72^nd F-104 pitot tube is similar to other Master Models pitot tubes in that it is turned brass and is a simple replacement for the kit part. For this review, I compared the Master Model’s pitot tube with the pitot tube from the Hasegawa F-104G. The Master Model pitot tube has a lot more finesse than the kit part, and it also looks a lot better than what the kit provides. That being said, the fit is a little loose. You can either use a little CA to solve this issue, or you can fill in the kit nose and drill out a new locating hole.

This brass pitot tube is a welcomed addition to any 1/72^nd F-104 kit. It is a simple replacement to the kit part but provides a huge improvement in detail over the kit part. If you are planning on building an F-104, I highly recommend you pick up one of the Master Model pitot tubes; you won’t be disappointed.

This set of “upgrade” decals is another product by Afterburner in a long line of high-quality decal sets. Designed for the Hasegawa F-18 Super Hornet, this Upgrade Set provides well over 100 markings, stencils, instrument panel faces, restraint harnesses, and even red landing gear door edge markings for the awesome Hasegawa Super Hornet.

This set of decals easily achieves all of the standards for high quality decals. The decals do not allow for underlying colors to bleed through after application. Registry is dead on, and the decal proportions are correct and proper. There is very little carrier film that will need to be trimmed away. The sample taken from the sheet indicated that the decals are strong enough to withstand some handling during the application process, and yet thin enough to adhere to any raised or engraved detail upon which the decal is placed. The sample was treated with SolvaSet and did not show any sign of a negative reaction.

The Squadron

The Mosquito was flown by 100 RAF, four RAAF, two USAAF and one RCAF squadrons, plus 45 other units. The RCAF unit was the 418 "City of Edmonton" Squadron

This squadron was formed at Debden on 15 November 1941 in the night intruder role, equipped with Bostons. However, work up was slow and it was early spring 1942 before the squadron was fully operational, flying its first mission on March 26th.

As well as flying the standard Boston, it also used examples armed with a solid nose mounting 20mm cannons which proved to be quite effective in the night fighter role. In May 1943, the squadron converted to Mosquito VIs and, on 15 September, 1943, performed in the escort fighter role to a force of Lancasters from No 617 Squadron attacking the Dortmund-Elms Canal.

In a single word, “Wow”! This set of decals is recommended for the Hasegawa F-15C/D in 1/48^th scale and can be used on the Academy kits as well. Afterburner also points out that the package includes markings that can be used on the Tamiya 32^nd scale F-15.

The product package includes three sheets of decals, one sheet being rather small and including three decals of the 57^th Fighter Wing logo. The remaining sheets contain markings, stenciling, and other markings that one may choose from.

Markings are provided for the very unique Digital Splinter Scheme, the Blue Flanker Scheme and the Desert Flanker Scheme. Additionally, included within the Desert Flanker Scheme, there are markings for aircraft flown in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012. Blue Flanker markings include aircraft flown in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012.

Decals, in order to be of “high quality,” must possess certain characteristics.

Big Cutlass… Part Deux

Well, shiver my swashes and buckle my timbers…at last. The finishing touches have been applied to this magnificent beastie! The stance of the aircraft can be referred to as a cross between a praying mantis and a Great Dane passing a peachpit. In any case, this has to be one of the most unique carrier aircraft ever produced. Although not the most popular among pilots, I recall reading a pilot report in Tail Hook magazine where comments ranged from concern over a hard landing which would drive the nose gear up through the cockpit floor “doing horrible things to the pilot” to attempts to keep the fuel load in trim being much akin to “sitting on a basketball.” Oh, well, I digress, so on to the build.