Scale Aircraft Conversions has released replacement gear for the Tamiya 1/48 scale A6M Zero kits that were tooled in 2008. The supplied items include two main gear struts, and one tail gear strut with integrally molded wheel. (Photos 1004, 1005, 1009)

This replacement set will provide stronger landing gear that won’t sag over time, and is somewhat adjustable if necessary to obtain proper alignment. Indeed, make sure that you adjust the gear parts to align with the Tamiya parts before using as they can be slightly bent in their packaging. Even with zero previous experience in using white metal parts, this set will provide an upgrade that most modelers will have no problem installing. Scale Aircraft Conversions does not use lead in their white metal mix, so the builder does not have to be concerned with that perceived hazard.

There are no supplied instructions; you simply swap out the kit provided plastic parts with the new white metal items.

If the first two volumes of TANKART didn’t provide enough “eye candy” and inspiration to armor modelers looking to up their game, TANKART 3 provides another potent dose of armor building and finishing “how to” and “why to” for creating true works of scale modeling art – specifically for modern armor subjects.

Consistent with the first two editions, Michael Rinaldi provides an image- and narrative-rich guide for modelers to create jaw-dropping finishes and weathering effects through techniques centered around layering and “artistic scalism.” In TANKART 3, the author shares with the reader his latest learnings in his quest to create fantastic finishes while improving the overall efficiency of the process. Notable examples, and a take-aways for this reviewer, are the reduction or elimination of washes in favor of Oil Paint Rendering (OPR), and improving the execution of the Hairspray (HS) chipping technique.

When Airfix released its new kit of the Spitfire Mk I the amount of detail in the cockpit was fantastic. When they brought out a new Mk IX everybody wondered, what happened to the interior?

This new set by Brengun will finally give you what you need to update the Airfix kit.

I must confess at the outset of this review that I am not, for the most part, a fan of vacuform diorama buildings. I will always prefer ceramic which is far easier for me to assemble and paint. That being said, I was quite curious to tackle this kind of project and found myself quite impressed with this kit.

My first impression of this kit came before I even opened the box. It was remarkably heavy - not what I’d expected of a kit that was largely vacuform parts. However, on opening the box I could see why – the nine vacuform sheets are quite stout, with remarkable detail on roughly 74 parts. The kit also comes with five sprues of injection molded details, making a total of well over 150 parts – far more than will be needed in this diorama. Everything you desire to create a large and detailed diorama is provided here, including the base. There is a LOT of plastic in this kit.

This Revell ’57 Chevy is just a wonderful kit with very little, if any, flash.

Engine

The kit provides 2 small block engines but only 1 set of heads and oil pan. The parts fit together just perfectly. Instead of the single or dual quad setup, I decided to use the fuel injection pieces left over from the Revell Black Widow kit.

Chassis

Beautiful chassis that has separate front & rear suspensions and 2 separate exhaust systems. I cut off the end tips and replaced with polished aluminum tubing.

Interior

I love it! The side panels are separate pieces and are extremely well engraved enabling easy detail painting. Included in the kit are decals for the dash gauges, seats and side trim. I added a set of “Heartbeat of America” floor mats.