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Messerschmitt 109G-6 Resin Upgrades (for Tamiya) 1:48 Eduard Brassin Tamiya have joined in with the recent spate of retooling of 1:48 109Gs, and their G-6 is now readily available. Eduard have a number of resin and Photo-Etch (PE) sets for these kits, and here come two more. As usual with Eduard's larger resin sets, they arrive in the oblong Brassin box, with the resin parts safely cocooned in dark grey foam inserts, and the instructions wrapped around, providing extra protection. The BIGSIN sets are supplied in a larger top-opening tray box with the same interior protection and layout. Bf.109G-6 Advanced (SIN64847 for Tamiya) This is an amalgamation of three sets for the Tamiya kit that have previously been released separately, with a healthy discount for purchasing them in one handy package. It contains the following three items: Bf.109-G Engine (648406) Consisting of four bags of resin in two shades of grey, a single sheet of Photo-Etch (PE) brass in a separate bag with backing card, and the instruction booklet, which in this instance is fairly substantial consisting of nine sides of folded A4. The set includes the gun bays in the nose, and begins with the construction of the main engine block, which has an amazing number of PE and resin parts added, even before you have left the first page of the instruction. The oil tank, engine mounts and turbocharger are installed too, with the gun bay next, linked with various hoses and bracketry. Looked on as a whole it seems quite daunting, but if it is like any other Eduard engine set, it will fall together once you have gone through making up sub-assemblies and painted them. The level of detail present and the care taken to explain it all thoroughly in pictorial format is stunning, with additional wiring needed from your stocks to do the whole thing justice and mimic the layout of the real thing. The installation requires the removal of the front part of the fuselage, which is where the magnets are housed that allow the stock kit to have removable panels. I find that a bit of a gimmick myself, as I can barely handle any of my kits without breaking the small parts off, so wouldn't want to be fiddling with the model after completion anyway. With the new resin engine showing off so much detail, I wouldn't want to hide it away anyhow! The rear of the gun bay latches neatly onto a couple of depressions on the kit, and then it is a case of wiring it in, and replacing the kit cowling parts with new resin ones that depict the parts in-scale, and with greater detail. The lower cowl is depicted unlatched on one side and swung down, which is held in place by PE tongues, while the upper cowling is opened on both sides gull-wing style, with a 19mm wire prop (from your own stock) holding them in place. An optional resin tropical filter is included if it is required, which has some detailed PE mounts to affix it to the cowling in front of the intake. This will not be a "quick slap it together" upgrade, but if you take the time to paint and assemble it correctly, it will provide your model with mind-blowing detail that simply isn't possible in styrene. Radio Compartment (648404) The radio bay comprises a two C-shaped 3cm internal sections of the fuselage plus a front bulkhead with radio gear, complete with ribbing and wiring detail. To this is added the gear on the floor of the fuselage within a small frame. You will of course need to remove the radio bay access panel from the fuselage and the moulded-in framework, and Eduard have sensibly provided a replacement made from two PE parts - the outer skin, and strengthening framework. Seatbelts (FE892) In case you don't already know, these belts are Photo-Etch (PE) steel, and because of their strength they can be etched from thinner material, which improves realism and flexibility in one sitting. Coupled with the new painting method that adds perceived extra depth to the buckles and other furniture by shading, they are more realistic looking and will drape better than regular brass PE. Bf.109G-6/U4 Engine (648427 for Tamiya) Essentially the same engine as that described above in the BIGSIN set, this is meant for the /U4 sub-variant with the 30mm cannon firing through the prop, and having pored over the instructions for both, I can find very little in the way of differences other than a couple of part numbers in the centre of the gun bay mechanics as you'd expect, and a couple of hoses that are altered to accommodate the new layout. Review sample courtesy of

MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber BIGSIN Set (67216) 1:72 Eduard This set brings together a number of resin sets in one money saving package. inside the box, you get the following resin replacements: cockpit exhaust nozzle undercarriage wheels fuselage / wing pylons The overall package is around 25% cheaper than buying all of the sets on their own. MiG-21MF Fighter-Bomber Cockpit This set provides a replacement resin cockpit for the fighter bomber version of the kit. The set comprises a complete cockpit tub (which replaces a multi-part version supplied with the kit), an instrument panel, coaming, control column, HUD unit and ejector seat. A small fret of photo etched parts is provided and this contains smaller details including harnesses for the seat, details for the instrument panel (which is otherwise devoid of cast detail). A small sheet of plastic film is provided for the HUD screen itself. While the plastic cockpit provided with the kit is no slouch when it comes to detail, there is only so much that can be achieved with injection moulded polystyrene. This resin version is a considerable upgrade over the plastic version and is well worth consideration. MiG-21MF Exhaust Nozzle This set manages to achieve the feat of improving on the parts provided with the kit while simplifying construction. The replacement resin jet pipe comprises just three resin parts and a small fret of photo etched components which represent a more detailed version of the afterburner flame holder. The replacement assembly simply slots into the kit fuselage with no cutting or surgery required. MiG-21MF Wheels This set is intended as a like-for-like swap for the kit wheels. A choice of two different main wheels are provided, although the instructions note that one type was rarely used on the MF, along with two identical nose wheels. This means you actually get enough wheels for two complete kits. As is the norm for a set of this type from Eduard, pre-cut masks are also provided to aid painting. These wheels, with their realistic tyre treads, offer a significant upgrade over the kit parts. MiG-21MF Pylons This is the 4 wing pylons and centre line pylon. Conclusion Eduard can hardly be accused of shyness when it comes to providing aftermarket for one of their marquee releases of the past 12 months. It's great that Eduard's approach caters for both the casual hobbyist (through the weekend range of kits) and the committed enthusiast through this extensive range of detail upgrades. The quality of the items on offer is excellent, with each offering considerable enhancement over the plastic equivalents. Recommended. Review sample courtesy of

P-51D Armament & Fuel Tanks (SIN648397) 1:48 Eduard for Airfix Kit Eduard have combined their Gun Bay set, bombs, rocket launchers and two different styles of drop tanks into one easy set. P-51D Gun Bays (Early & Late) This set contains resin & PE to fit gun bays the new Airfix kit. The set contains parts for early and late gun bays. As well as the bays there are the guns and ammo belts. Decals are provided for the loading instructions inside the doors. Some surgery to the kits wings is needed, through note a lot, mainly just removing the panels. This set should get good results and would suit some kind of loading diorama. Highly Recommended. 250lb bombs These are a two bomb units with PE fins and vanes. There is also a small decal sheet with markings. Bazooka Rocket Launchers These are a complete set of replacement launchers for the kit. For the rear of the tubes either empty or loaded ends are available. The racks to attach to the wings are also included as are PE sway braces. 75 Gal Fuel Tanks The are two whole cast replacement P-51D 75 gal drop tanks. Small PE braces and fuel lines are also supplied, as is a small decal sheet with tank markings, 104 Gal Paper Fuel Tanks (648350) The are two whole cast replacement P-51D 104 gal paper drop tanks. Due to their larger size and more complex surface they are three part. Small PE braces, the larger straps, and fuel lines are also supplied, as is a small decal sheet with tank markings. Nose cones are provided for early and late tanks. Review samples courtesy of

F-8E Crusader BIG SIN Set 1:48 Eduard Brassin BIG SIN (SIN 64840) The F-8E was the most produced version of Vought's famous carrier fighter. The F-8 would serve for over 2 decades with the US as well as the French and The Philippine Air Force. As at the time the F-4 had missiles only it would become famous for being the "Last of the Gunfighters". The Big Sin Set combines 4 other eduard sets at a more cost effective price. Ejection Seat (648388) Inside there is a Martin Baker seat as used by the F-8E. There is the resin seat, head box and seat cushion. The harness and ejection seat handles as well as other smaller parts are inclused on a colour nickel plated photo-etch sheet. A small decal sheet provides seat markings. This is a drop in fit for the kit seat and extra detail will really make the cockpit stand out. Wheels (648387) Surprisingly this set contains the wheels! Two main units and the smaller nose wheel are included. Casting is up to Eduard's usual excellent standards and they will be drop in replacement for the kit. Air Intakes (648301) This set provides two new resin intake scoops for the afterburner cooling on the rear of the Crusader. PE Mounting plates are provided for these. Exhaust Set (648302) This set provides a new resin exhaust, burner ring, and fan, with a small pe fret for the internals. BIG SIN Review samples courtesy of

Bf 109F Essentials 1:48 Eduard Brassin - BigSIN In this set Eduard offer us the 109F cockpit, wheels, control surfaces and pitot tubes. Cockpit Set The set gives you a complete new cockpit including sides and floor which will fit into the model with some work being needed on the kit moulded details. A mix of resin and PE goes into this to create a small model in itself. There is the option of using a one part instrument panel, or a multi part one using the PE & film supplied. Though lets be honest if you are going to the time, trouble, and expense of this set then it really has to be the multi part affair. Control Surfaces This set has has the rudder, tail surfaces and flaps in resin. Balance horns are also supplied in resin. Trim tabs are supplied on a small pe fret (not pictured). Wheels This set has the two man wheels with separate spoked hubs. The tail wheel is moulded with its strut in a stronger type of resin. Bf 109F&G Pitot tubes This set has three replacement pitot tubes in resin to replace the kit parts. These will I suspect be more susceptible to damage than the kit parts despite looking more realistic. Review samples courtesy of