The A-1 Skyraider was known for its ability to carry a “world of hurt” on its underwing pylons. Quickboost has provided a set of pylons for the Tamiya kit that significantly enhance the appearance of an already well-detailed kit. Specifically, the QB parts replace the pylons provided by the Tamiya kit.

Quickboost provides an illustration that clearly indicates the Tamiya kit parts that are replaced by the QB items. QB realizes that some of the parts they provide are very delicate and need additional support in order to arrive on the modeler’s workbench in one piece. QB parts # 5 (sway braces) appear, at first glance, to have “flash” on them. Upon closer inspection you will identify that “flash” as extra support material, protecting the arms of the sway brace. It is not difficult to remove this support material but some caution needs to be exercised in order to prepare the part for placement on the model.

Thanks to Aires for this stunning bit of resin; Even though this was a second generation F-15 model from Hasegawa, this kit is over 20 years old and has been in need of an upgrade to the cockpit. Aires provides just what is needed to strengthen the presentation of this model.

Once again it is easy to see the level of detail Aires provides; how they do it is beyond my abilities, but they do. The basic cockpit tub is a phenomenal casting; all the required details are there. The same goes for the avionics bay located aft of the cockpit. As a reminder, this aircraft is pre-MISP (an avionics upgrade to bring AAMRAAM and other capability to the jet), so the black boxes and other bits are appropriate for the Icelandic markings. (If I remember correctly from my time at 17^th AF in USAFE, the 56^th birds received their jets from the 36^th at Bitburg before MISP started; someone correct me if my old memory has faded that much).

Thanks to Aires for catering to the AMS in all of us; we appreciate your support!

This will save a lot of scratchbuilding time for those who are into dioramas or weapons; the MHU-191 M munition transporter with aero 58 adapter is used for transporting weapons; unfortunately I could not find what type of weapon is used with this adaptor; I did find this excerpt from a Naval ordinance Manual: “The Aero 58A skid adaptor holds a single weapon of up to 30.5 inches in diameter; it can be used wihtthe MHU-125/# platform skid and MHU-126/M munitions trailer”.

Bottom line: it’s Navy, use it accordingly!

An excellent diorama accessory in the Aerobonus range; pretty soon we’ll have to build additions to our homes to handle the miniature flightlines and flight decks we are building!

Thanks again to Aires/Aerobonus and to IPMS USA for this review item.

Aircraft History

The EA-18G Growler is an electronics warfare aircraft developed in the 2000s for the US Navy as a replacement for the ageing EA-6B Prowler. It shares 90% of its components with the F/A-18F Super Hornet, saving time and money in development, construction and maintenance for the fleet. The Growler has been in operational service since 2009, and saw combat for the first time over Libya during Operation Odyssey Dawn in 2011. In addition to the US Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force has also recently announced plans to acquire 12 EA-18Gs.

Product

The oil radiators come packaged in the typical clear cellophane and a cardboard insert that Quickboost has become known for. The parts are cast in a light gray resin and are very sharp features. The parts are designed to be used on any of the excellent Tamiya 1/72nd Mosquitos.

Application

When removing the parts from the pour block, use care as the resin is very thin. Don't worry about getting the part cleaned up real good at this point, you can do that once it is attached to the model to give it some extra support. Next you will need to trim the kit part. There is several raised straight lines that will have to be removed (see photo). Once they are removed and the area is smoothed out you attach the resin. I used Gator grip glue to attach the parts as it gives you time to set the part. Once the part was set I finished cleaning it up.