This is a small scale kit of the USA JM-1 in two schemes: Joe’s Banana boat and US Marine Corps MJ-1. It is a basic 1:144 kit with limited interior, no painting masks and a small, but nice set of decals.

I opted for the JM-1 Banana Boat scheme. As you can see from the kit instruction sheet - one large fold out - there are minimal parts. There was little flash, but some of the detail was very soft on some parts. The kit provides the option to build the model on the ground, or in flight. I chose the latter. The issue with this decision was with the poorly fitting nose gear doors. The main gear doors were a much better fit.

Each issue of Scale Aircraft Modeling follows a basic design and format and this one is similar. There are usually two Feature Articles, an Aviation in Profile piece, industry news and a series of Compact Build Reviews.

The Feature articles for this issue covers a build of Wing Nut Wings 1/32 S.E.5a and a 1/48 Eduard PKZ-2. The WNW S.E5a is a fantastic kit to begin with and the author, Phil Roger does a spectacular job. He uses a special method for oxidizing the exhaust pipes and shows the rigging and weathering in many detail shots.

Master Model from Poland specializes in metal turned parts for aftermarket kits. In my personal option, they are among the best in the market. I really like their products.

This set is devoted to the weapons of the Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC. There are several kit options in 1/48 scale: Hasegawa, Hobbycraft and Italeri. This set can be used with all of the above, with different modifications in each case.

For any of the base kits, you are instructed to drill holes in the wings for the fairings and to replace the plastic parts with the metals ones. In the case of the Hasegawa model (see photo), it could be possible to modify the wing fairing and just use the cannon barrel. You’ll lose a bit of detail, but you “gain” less effort needed to modify the kit.

Be aware that the outer and inward cannon fairings have different sizes, and should not be used interchangeably. The instructions are very clear about which one is which and how to position them.

I was not familiar with the Siebel 202 “Hummel” (Bumble-bee) prior to this review, and the internet is not overflowing with information about this little gem. This build crosses a couple of firsts off my list: 1) a full resin kit, and 2) a kit from the Czech company Master-X. Up front, I will say that if given another opportunity to build one of their kits, I will do so again.

What you receive in the sturdy little box is a very nice set of clean, detailed resin pieces molded in a couple shades of beige, as well as two black pour stubs with the small resin pieces, including landing gear parts, the control stick and a few as yet to be identified pieces. They also include a basic assembly guide, with color guide on the back side of the sheet, as well as a small photo etched fret, one canopy, and a nicely made decal sheet printed by Aviprint (more on this later).

Review

The S2F Tracker needs no introduction. It has been in service for decades with Navies from all over the world. Kinetic has the only 1/48 injection molded kit in town and as such it is getting the attention from different aftermarket manufacturers.

Quickboost has released a series of aftermarket details (wheels, pylons, radar, etc) including one for the propellers, which is the subject of this review. The addition of a “Tool” is a great idea to ensure all the blades have the same pitch and very easy to use.

The resin parts are clearly sharper and finer than the plastic ones. Perhaps the main differences relates to size. The resin propeller hub is a tad longer than the plastic counterpart and the resin blades are a bit longer and narrower than the plastic ones. I do not know if that might have something to do with earlier/later marks of the Tracker. Check your references.