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Review Author
Rick Bellanger
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$25.00

The set consists of one photo etch sheet in an unpainted brass color. You get parts to build complete new seats for the pilot and copilot. I thought the kit seats were nice, but these are really nice. Once completed and painted, they simply dropped in.

The instructions are quite adequate in explain the bending and placement of the photo etch parts. The seats really call out for the additional Eduard Seatbelt Set, 32746…which I would highly suggest getting.

The down side of these beautiful seats is that once the plane is completed, it is hard to see all the work you have done. If you do add the additional seat belts from Eduard, their placement and attachment are a little fuzzy and you will have to figure it out.

HIGHLY recommended. One should have experience working with photo etch and using ACC glues or epoxy.

Review Author
Rick Bellanger
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$17.00

The set consists of two paper tape sheets. These are pre-cut to fit the clear parts on the Mitchell. If you were only going to buy one detail set for the B-25, this would be the one you would have to get. The masks are designed to fit each clear piece on the model. Once they’re applied, you can leave them on for the duration of the build and let them be the last thing to remove before showing off your masterpiece.

I used two of these sets to do my plane. You only get enough to do the outside of the clear parts and I wanted to show the framing on the inside, too. They are easy to apply and can very easy to line up. A little burnishing is all that is needed before your first coat of paint. Try not to go too heavy on the first coat; you might get some seepage under the masks.

The instructions are quite adequate in explain the placement of each mask. The downside of this beautiful masking set is you only get enough to do the outside.

Review Author
Rick Bellanger
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$35.00

The set consists of one photo etch sheet. The PE parts are an unpainted natural metal (silver) color. This set is kind of interesting. You use the kit parts and these simply wrap around the existing belts, providing a very good looking ammo belt tray combination. The instructions are quite adequate in explaining the bending and placement of the details.

The down side of this beautiful set is that once the plane is completed, it is hard to see all the work you have done. The new details are a little difficult to apply. I found if you glue the sides first, than wait a little bit for the glue to set, then you can bend the top down to fit. Also, the bottom of the belts are not detailed. This is especially noticeable in the forward bombardier’s compartment.

HIGHLY recommended. One should have experience working with photo etch and using ACC glues or epoxy.

Review Author
Tim Wilding
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$22.95

Eduard of the Czech Republic had released a 1/35 scale photo etched (PE) upgrade designed for the Trumpeter SU-152 Late, kit #05568. This upgrade consists of two PE sheets packaged in a sturdy, cardboard-supported bag with a two-page instruction sheet.

I used Trumpeter’s SU-152 Early kit, #01571, for a few parts since I was already doing a review of it. There are only a couple differences between the early and late SU-152 and this kit would work on either quite well.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Meng Model
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$39.95

For those who have been longing to add an early F-102A to their collection, or just a more modern release of a Delta Dagger in 1/72 scale, I would highly recommend gazing in the direction of this new release by Meng. The kit goes together well with only a few minor seams needing a light application of your filler of choice, and will not challenge modelers with some experience in dealing with small parts. Options for this kit include open or closed canopy as well as weapons and landing gear bays, and extended and retracted missile rails. There are also AIM-4C and D Falcon missiles to select from when arming your plane. This was my first experience with a kit by the newcomer Meng, and I will have no hesitation in purchasing their kits in the future.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$7.99

The two-seat MiG-21U, US, and UM family each has a uniquely shaped pitot tube with guide vanes. Master Model represents this pitot tube quite accurately.

This set comes with two turned metal barrels and a fret of six vanes. You only need four vanes. The metal barrels are designed to be slipped into each other. The absolute crazy thing is the small mounting holes for the vanes that are drilled in the outer metal barrel.

The instructions recommend that you add the outer portion with the vanes after the model is completed to avoid damage. Sounds like good advice. The vanes are very small. Foresight is appreciated – Master Model includes two extra vanes just in case the carpet monster needs to be fed.

Master Model produces the best pitot tubes in the industry. Between the strength and the scale thickness, you will immediately see the need for these pitot tubes on your MiG-21.

Highly recommended

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$7.99

The MiG-21PF and PFM are represented in model form by the Academy kit. This pitot tube is quite simple compared to some of the others in the MiG-21 family.

The set is simple in that it has a single turned metal barrel. The pitot tube is scale thickness, but the thing I like the best is additional strength of the brass tube. The instructions are quite basic and show the proper angle of the pitot tube in relation to the fuselage. A simple .6mm hole in the kit will prep the model for the turned metal pitot tube. Then, it is just as simple as inserting the pitot tube. Painting instructions are included.

This pitot tube is typical quality from Master Model. Its strength and scale thickness make this a required addition to your MiG. Just be careful you don’t poke yourself with the tubing.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Master Model for the review sample and IPMS/USA for the review opportunity.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$7.99

The Eduard MiG-21bis is a very nice kit right out of the box; however, the pitot tube could be better. There are limitations that plastic can’t overcome, not even with the best injection molded technology. Even so, the pitot tube sticks out so far on the MiG-21 that it’s bound to be broken off in handling. Besides, you can get a scale thickness with brass that you couldn’t get any other way.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$40.00

Designed for their Fw-190D-9, this beautiful upgrade set from Eduard is for those who want to show off the detail under the forward cowlings. Featuring six light and dark grey resin pieces, everything is perfectly formed and blemish free. The guns are hollowed out at the ends and the cooling slots are opened as well. There is also a small fret of photo etch that holds seven pieces of nickel plated parts – six cowl fasteners and one windscreen oil cleaning pipe. The oil cleaning pipe will require the most care, as it is very, very thin.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Eagle Editions Ltd.
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$15.50

The Tamiya He-219 is the standard for 1/48th scale models of this airplane. However, marking options have been a little sparse for this kit. Eagle Cal has released a new sheet that covers the three basic paint schemes seen on the Uhu. This set is released in conjunction the Eagle Cals 1/32nd scale decals covering the same aircraft. The 1/48th scale decals cover the A-0, A-7, and the A-2 versions. To build the A-0 and A-2 versions, the modeler would be advised to get the Vector resin conversion set, also available from Eagle Editions.