Master Models British RP-3 Rockets. 1:24

[Shar2]

British RP-3 Rockets
1:24 Master Models

Just in from Master Models are these three sets of rockets and warheads for use with any British 1:24 scale aircraft, but are mainly designed for the Airfix Mosquito and Typhoon. There are two packs of rockets with hangers for either early Mk1 rails or the later MkIII, and a separate pack of warheads for those who want something a little different. Each pack of rockets contains eight tubular brass bodies, nozzles, 60lb warheads, pig tail wires, sixteen fins and a sheet of decals. When assembled they will be quite weighty affairs, which probably explains the use of the styrene hangers as even the best folded and glued brass would have difficulty staying together, it also makes them a whole lot easier to assemble and use. The heads and nozzles are beautifully turned as we have come to expect from Master Models and the only parts that require any clean up are the etched brass fins once they are cut away from the sheet. These then fit into pre-cut slots at the ends of the brass tubes before fitting the etched fin attachment brackets and nozzle. Before adding the warhead, which also just slots in at the other end, the hangers will need to be slid along the tube into position. The only difference I can see with the hangers is that the Mk1’s use a T shaped piece which slide on the internal guides of the rail whilst the MkIII has a U shaped top to slide on external guides.

The separate warhead pack contains three different type of warhead, eight of each. They are:-

• 60lb Semi Armour Piercing, Fragmentation
• 25lb Armour Piercing MkIII
• 25lb Armour Piercing MkI, with alternative decals for the similar looking 25lb Semi Armour Piercing round.

The 60lb SAP Frag, is the only warhead that requires additional parts which include the arming vane and nosecone. Other than that each warhead is a simple slide in replacement as for the more commonly seen 60lb warhead contained in the above sets.

Conclusion
Whilst some modellers will be quite content with the rockets Airfix provided with the Typhoon and mosquito kits the warheads on these new items look much in line with the real things. The rest could be said to be superfluous, but in my view they have a finesse that even in this scale cannot be realised in styrene. The only thing that will be awkward to get right are the pig tails, especially if they are not connected to the aircraft. Getting etch/turned brass to hang naturally isn’t easy, even after tempering them, but since the end pieces are so nice, it will certainly be worth the effort. Very highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

[Julien]

They look very nice!

[JohnT]

They look very nice!

Yes indeed

Anyone have the Gen on when the switch was made as to early and late? I fancy doing Gerald Stapletons machine MP126 ZY-Y

[drdave]

There's two sets of Montex masks out as well, for 4 schemes for the typhoon.

[ben_m]

Why was the thread discussing these erased from the WW2 forum?

JohnT: Are you asking whether MP126 had Mk. 1 or Mk.3 rocket rails? I think it would have had Mk. 1.

[JohnT]

JohnT: Are you asking whether MP126 had Mk. 1 or Mk.3 rocket rails? I think it would have had Mk. 1.

Yes thanks

That was what I meant

Just so I get the correct packet!

John

[Mike]

[Hutch]

Stunning, simply stunning........

Hutch