This second installment covers the midsection interior, which is from the aft bulkhead of the bombardier and navigator compartment through the bomb bay and to the ring mount around the ball turret. Instruction steps 1 through 15 are used to construct this mid-section subassembly. I continue to be impressed by the fit and detail of the moldings.

Please consider that the associated pictures illustrate in-progress shots. There will be much touch-up, and I was reluctant to get too carried away with painting until I had a better feel for what was visible or need dry-brushing, etc.

Since Tamiya released their version of the Elefant, it had been on my wish list. Upon obtaining the kit, I noticed that it needed some more details. Italeri and Dragon both make a 1/35th scale Elefant and with proper adjustments they can be make into nice models.

The Tamiya detail set from Eduard contains two frets and nice, readable instructions. The fenders are really well detailed compared to the kit parts. It is a shame to have to cover them up with zimmerit. Thinking about this, I plan on putting their fenders on a Ferdinand kit, since the Ferdies didn’t wear zimmerit. There are also a bunch of small PE tool clamps and clasps. When applied, they look so much better than the kit’s molded-on ones.

In my opinion, this is a well-detailed set on PE which will make it onto two of my kits. Just now I need to get a good etch-mate folding tool. I would like to thank Eduard and IPMS/USA for a chance to review it, and you for taking the time to read it.

Ultracast has been producing some of the best and easiest to use aftermarket items for years. Well, they haven’t changed their key for success.

• Ultracast 48238 Shrouded Exhaust, $4.85
• Ultracast 48239 Unshrouded Exhaust, $4.85

The latest releases are designed to be added to the Accurate Miniatures P-51B/C Mustang kit. What can you say about these little gems? In both sets you get two banks of exhaust stacks molded in light cream-colored resin. The exhaust ends are hollowed out perfectly. They are beautifully cast and are easy, drop-in replacement for the kit parts. Just remove the parts from the pour block and paint – a simple and easy way to do a tedious job.

It is no secret that I love the Eduard Bf-109E kits. Having built three of them in various forms has provided me with some insight on these little gems. One thing that would be nice is the ability to articulate the elevators, as is frequently seen on the real thing. I can never get this to look correct to my eye when I do the work.

Quickboost has the answer. Molded in a light olive drab resin, this set comes in four parts – two horizontal surfaces and two elevators that already have been modified with beveled surfaces that allow the modeler to articulate the control surfaces without issue. The detail on the parts is exactly as good as the kit parts.

If you do articulate the controls, don’t forget to offset the stick in the cockpit as well. Down elevators mean forward on stick. My next Eduard 109 will have this set installed.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the review copy.

The Ki-84 Hayate was the premier Japanese fighter of the war. It also sported some really colorful markings that are a natural for an airplane modeler.

The instructions are printed on two single-sided A4 sheets in full color. Five aircraft are included in the decals. The exterior sheet has the three-view drawings and the references used to design the decals.

The decals themselves are printed by Cartograf and are very colorful. They are in perfect register and thin. In my opinion, Cartograf is the best decal producer in the world. I’ve used all kinds of setting solutions on them and they perform flawlessly. The decals not only include the aircraft markings but also some stencils.

The first Hayate has never before been seen in print, let alone as a decal. The aircraft has a unique spackled look to it with a beautiful white tiger on the tail. This aircraft was flown by Lt. Shuho Yamana of Army Transportation Unit in the fall of 1944.