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Resin Upgrade Sets for SB2C Helldiver 1:72 CMK Hot on the heels of Special Hobby's upgraded boxing of the already excellent Academy Helldiver kit come these resin upgrade sets. Just like the resin items included with the SH kit, these parts have been designed on a computermebob and mastered using 3D printing technology. CMK are well known for prodcing some seriously nice resin, and these items are no exception. SB2C Main Wheels Set for Academy/Cyber-Hobby/Airfix Kits The first set includes a pair of replacement wheels which can be used with any kit of the Helldiver, be it Academy, Airfix or Cyber Hobby. You won't need to buy these items if you have the Special Hobby version of the Academy kit, however, as they are already included in the box. The wheels themselves are nicely cast and feature much better tyre tread detail than you would find on any injection moulded plastic part. Optional hubs are also included. SB2C Control Surfaces Set for Academy Kit This set includes resin replacements for the Academy/SH kit's control surfaces; specifically the ailerons, elevators and the rudder. The casting is as crisp and smooth as you would expect from CMK, and the surface detail is excellent. You will need to cut away the corresponding parts from the kit in order to use these, so care will need to be taken in order to avoid an expensive (or bloody) slip of the fingers. Conclusion CMK can be relied upon to turn out some good quality resin, a fact to which these sets testify. Detail is top-notch, casting is flawless and I have no doubt that the fit will be equally good. If you have an Academy Helldiver in your stash then these sets will be well worth picking up. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Dear fellow Britmodellers, here's my 1/72 Academy P-38J Lightning in markings of 20th Fighter Group. Painted with Gunze/Mr.Hobby acrylics and Alclad II lacquers. Add-ons: CMK cockpit & wheels, Quickboost Engine Air intakes, Master gun Barrels. Decals from Tally Ho. Photographed by Wolfgang Rabel of IGM Cars & Bikes. Best wishes from Vienna and thanks for your interest.

Mitsubishi A6M Zero Detail Sets 1:32 CMK The Hasegawa A6M Zero has been around a long time, from 1978 in fact and that boxing is still available, as well as a couple of more recent new toolings. The six resin sets reviewed here can be used on any of Hasegawas releases, with a greater or lesser amount of preparatory work required by the modeller, depending on the kit used. While some of the sets are drop in replacement with more finesse than can be achieved with plastic, others will require the modeller to take a knife and sanding stick to the kit parts to fit the resin. All the resin parts will need to be removed from their moulding blocks and cleaned up, but this is a pretty simple task, with any cleaning up required only on surfaces that will not be seen once fitted. 5117 – Flaps. This set includes the moving section of the flap as well as the interior roof of the flap bay. To fit requires the kit flap to be cut away on the lower wing and the upper wing section thinned down until the roof section fits snugly. The moulding blocks are on the leading edges of each section and will not take much to part it off and clean up. The time will be taken up with thinning the roof down I’d imagine. But will look great when all is down and the resin fitted. 5118 – Tail Cone. This set requires the modeller to take a saw or knife to the kit and cut off the tail cone, beneath the rudder. In its place are resin parts for the rear bulkhead, tail wheel assembly, with separate shock absorber and wheel, and new tail cone halves. 5119 – Main Undercarriage Bays. These are almost drop in replacements as once the moulding blocks have been removed, and the upper wing plastic reduced in thickness, they are just glued into position. A little more work than using the plastic parts, but the detail is so much nicer. Do be careful when removing the moulding blocks though as some areas of the bay roof are quite thin already. 5120 – Undercarriage Doors. The main gear doors contained in this set are direct replacements for the kit parts, only much thinner and accurate. They include both outer and inner doors, as well as their respective actuators and clamps, but also require a couple of smaller kit parts to be used as well. 5121 – Wing Fuel Tanks. Now, this set is purely for those who want to go that little bit further with detailing their model and allowing diorama possibilities. The set includes two bays, two fuel tanks with some nice detailing, as well as the wing skin covers. You will first of all need to identify and remove the correct areas of the lower wing, which, looking at the kit isn’t that easy, fit the bays from the inside, fit the tanks and place the covers where you want within the diorama. Q32 277 – Wheels. This set is part of CMK Easy Line of resin replacements, and consists of just the two main wheels with a slight bulge tow show the aircraft has a bit of weight to it. Just remove the moulding blocks from the contact point of the wheel, clean up with a couple of swipes from a sanding stick then glue to the axle of the kit main legs. Job jobbed. Conclusion Care and patience will be needed to achieve a good fit will be the order of the day with some of these sets, whilst the others a more plug and play. A great selection of items from CMK, of course you don’t have to use them all, just whatever you feel comfortable with doing or what you want to achieve, so great for all abilities in one way or another. Review sample courtesy of

Asian Elephant 1:72 CMK It's not ivory day that an item as original as this lands on the BM review desk. While an elephant might seem to be an unusual choice, it's good to see that CMK refuse to be part of the herd and are happy to produce items that are a little left of field. So let's see if they are up to the tusk, or if this product is, in fact, a white elephant. The overall size and shape of the beast looks good to me, and the features of the Elephas maximus indicus appear to have been captured accurately. The casting is pretty good, but there is a large casting seam running along the spine of the creature, as well as a few bubbles on the surface. This surprised me, as I've never encountered problems with CMK resin in the past. Perhaps this one just needs a pachydermitologist. Conclusion It's great to see that some manufacturers can maintain the elephant of surprise and bring us some genuinely interesting items. Far from being irrelephant, this item will be a fantastic addition to many dioramas from the Asian theatre of war. Thanks a ton, but I'm afraid that's all the elephant puns rhino. Review sample courtesy of

Resin Upgrade Sets for Airfix Harrier GR. Mk.7A & GR. Mk.9A 1:72 CMK It's quite a while since Airfix's second generation Harrier kit hit the shelves, so it was something of a surprise when CMK sent these sets our way. There are six sets in total - three for the GR. Mk.7A and three for the GR. Mk9A. Together, the sets provide complete replacement parts for the cockpit and flying surfaces, as well as parts to detail the engine bay of the famous V/STOL jet. Harrier GR. Mk.7A Cockpit Set The first set contains a complete replacement cockpit. The set comprises a tub, ejector seat, sidewall details, instrument panel, coaming, rear deck, control column and rudder pedals. The resin is crisp and free of flaws. The depicition of the harnesses on the Martin Baker ejector seat is particularly impressive, and overall this is an excellent set. Harrier GR. Mk.7A Control Surfaces Set This set includes resin replacements for all of the GR. Mk.7A's control surfaces, including the slotted flaps, ailerons and the rudder. The casting is as crisp and smooth as you would expect from CMK. Harrier GR. Mk.7A Engine Set This set is slightly different to the others, as rather than improving on what is already in the kit, it provides something that the kit lacks. The set includes the upper part of the Pegasus engine, along with the relevent structural parts of the fuselage, hinged panels and LERX. This set provides a unique opportunity to turn the kit into a mini diorama - something which will make a real difference to the finished model. Harrier GR. Mk.9A Cockpit Set This is the equivalent cockpit set for the GR. Mk.9A version. Harrier GR. Mk.9A Control Surfaces Set This is the equivalent control surface set for the GR. Mk.9A version. Harrier GR. Mk.9A Engine Set This is the equivalent engine set for the GR. Mk.9A version. Conclusion CMK can be relied upon to turn out some good quality resin, a fact to which these sets testify. Detail is top-notch, casting is flawless and I have no doubt that the fit will be equally good. If you have the Airfix Harrier in your stash, then these sets will be well worth picking up. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Replacement Wheels – Sea Vixen, Ju.88A-4 & SE.5a (Q48278, Q48279, Q48280) 1:48 CMK Quick & Easy from Special Hobby Kit wheels are generally in two halves, which means you have seams to deal with, possible mould-slip issues on single part wheels, and sometimes less than stellar detail due to the moulding limitations of styrene injection technology. That's where replacement resin wheels come in, with their lack of seamline and superior detail making a compelling argument. They are also usually available at a reasonable price, and can be an easy introduction to aftermarket and resin handling. Sea Vixen Wheels (Q48278 for Airfix) A direct replacement to the kit wheels with excellent hub and tyre detail for this lovely kit. There is no "sag" moulded in, but if you wanted to depict this anyway, a light sanding at the bottom would accomplish the task without much effort at all. Junkers Ju.88A-4 and later C-6/G late Main Wheels (Q48279 for Revell) Main wheels and tail wheel with yoke and mudguard moulded integrally, offering superior detail and light deformation to give the impression of weight, with the casting block attached in this area where it won't be seen. SE.5A Wheel Correction Set (Q48280 for Eduard) This set adds the faceted appearance of the outer fabric covers, depicting the spokes that would be seen, as well as the Palmer Cord logo and tyre specification details. Again, the casting blocks are sensibly small to avoid ruining the shape of the tyre during removal. Review sample courtesy of

BAC Lightning F2A/F6 Electronics Bays (4351 for Airfix/Eduard) 1:48 CMK from Special Hobby The Cold War Warrior English Electric Lightning was rammed full of engines stacked one on top of the other to achieve those legendary point-to-point speeds and time to altitude figures, so avionics had to be squeezed in where it would fit. The Lightning's spine was therefore full of greeblies, as were the sides of the fuselage wherever a little space could be found and utilised, with maintenance notoriously tricky. As usual with CMK's resin sets, they arrive in the familiar clear vacformed box, with the resin parts safely inside, and the instructions sandwiched between the header card at the rear. There are twenty seven resin parts inside, with the first step being the removal of the panels that are supplied, namely the aft section of the spine, plus two small panels on the port side, one under the rear of the cockpit aperture, the other below the airbrake. The smaller panels are box boxed in behind with a shell, into which some small detail parts are added, and around the edge, fine resin edges are supplied, with a few spares in case you break or lose some. The spine insert fits into the open top of the fuselage, and is supplied with a nicely moulded spine cowling to pose open. The smaller boxes also have their panels included for placement nearby, to complete the scene. Ground crew were often seen fishing around inside a Lightning, and still are if you visit the Thunder and Lightnings days are Bruntingthorpe. Review sample courtesy of

Dear fellow Britmodellers, may I present my very first Trumpeter aircraft kit! I was pleasantly surprised by its good engineering and fit. Since I'm no expert on the 'Wimpy' I can not comment about scale accuracy; however, it does look like a Wellington to my eyes! The only letdown of the kit are the decals, their colors are totally off. The code letters and serial were replaced by (very old, but still usable) decals from the Matchbox kit. Wing roundels and fin flash from (almost equally old) Techmod decals. Painted with Gunze acrylics, representing a machine of RAF 150.Squadron, operating from Regina airbase in Italy, autumn 1944. The Trumpeter kit offers a bomb bay with basic details and a cover, but no individual doors. Since I wanted to display the bomb bay open, I purchased a CMK resin set, designed for the MPM kit. This does not fit the Trumpeter kit, being considerably shorter. In the end, I only used the resin doors, some of which were badly warped. I tried to straighten them out with heat, but it only worked to a certain degree. Wheels are resin items from Aires/Quickboost. The bomb load was assembled from 250lb resin bombs by CMK. Photographs by Wolfgang Rabel of IGM Cars & Bikes. Thanks for your interest, all comments are welcome. Greetings from Vienna!

Hurricane Mk.I Upgrade Sets (for Airfix) 1:48 CMK/Special Hobby The new Airfix Hurricane has been out for a while now, and very nice it is too! If you are looking for a little extra detail however, you can opt for fiddly Photo-Etch (PE), or go down the resin route, which is how CMK have decided to approach things. They have created a number of sets to improve the kit, allowing the modeller to choose how much they want to spend, and which areas they want to improve on. Two of the sets are from their Quick & Easy line, which are straightforward drop-in replacements to kit parts with more detail than the originals. The sets arrive in clamshell boxes, with the resin parts safely inside, and the instructions sandwiched between the rear header card. Cockpit Set (4352) This set isn't a complete replacement for the kit, but improves on what is already there. In preparation you need to cut off the kit control column, the foot rests and some small instruments on the side frames. There is a new replacement instrument panel with printed acetate instrument dials that just require some white paint on the rear, a set of resin foot rests, rudder pedals, control column, seat and instruments on the side framework, plus a new resin compass. Control Surfaces (4353) All the kit control surfaces are separate parts, so you might wonder if there is a need for these upgrades, but on closer inspection, you notice that the detail on the resin parts is much improved over the kit parts, with subtle fabric sag, and the rib tape visible. Included are rudder, elevators and ailerons, all of which are attached to their pour blocks finely along their leading edges and should be easy to remove and clean up. Port Wing Armament Set (4354) Starboard Wing Armament Set (4357) Each kit provides a full set of wing bays with .303 machine guns from the box, but they are a little simplified and the breeches are slightly undersized. This set contains resin parts to complete a more realistic gun bay in the appropriate wing that starts with a single part bay, into which you add the four breeches with ammo feeds, ammo boxes and then the cross-braces to complete the bay. It is offered up to the upper wing, and checking clearance would be very wise before assembly. Of course the panels in the upper wing will need removing, and CMK have thoughtfully provided a full set of replacements to save you from using the rather thick kit parts, which are also full of inconveniently placed ejector pin marks. Look at this pic in the mirror for the starboard set Port Starboard Reserve Fuel Tank Set (4355) This set allows the modeller to depict the fuel tank in front of the cockpit open for maintenance, and requires you to remove that section from the fuselage halves before adding the set. Placed on a flat base, the set includes the tank itself, a bulkhead, another small tank and the very rear of the engine, plus the back of the instrument panel, to which you may wish to add some wires for additional detail. Around the cut-out, you must add a gaggle of tiny D-shaped fastener fixing points, which will be a little tricky, but there are a few spares, so don't worry unduly. The final part is the cowling, which has the captive fasteners sticking out for realism. Main Undercarriage Set (4356) Consisting of twelve resin parts, this replaces the multi-part arrangement that makes up the main gear bays with a single assembly that fits to the bottom of the cockpit floor, and slots neatly into the lower wing recesses once complete. You also get a new in-scale set of gear bay doors to improve the look further. Exhausts - Triple Ejector Type (Q48265) A pair of replacement exhaust stacks for the early Hurricane that has a lot of the subtle construction detail that was missed from the kit parts, as well as shallow exhaust tip. They lack the locating pegs of the kit parts, but fit snugly into the aperture on the sides of the engine cowling. Seat with Harness (Q48266) A straight forward drop-in replacement resin seat for your kit, with moulded in harnesses. Simply cut off the casting block and install on the seat armour instead of the kit part. Review sample courtesy of

RF-84 Thunderflash Upgrades (for TanModel) 1:48 CMK by Special Hobby This new(ish) release from Tan Model (review here) has been given the CMK treatment, with a bunch of new resin upgrades that will improve on the kit plastic, adding additional focal points to your model. The two detail sets arrive in a clamshell box, with the resin parts safely inside, and the instructions sandwiched between the header card. The Quick & Easy sets have a card back and a bag containing the parts. Undercarriage Bay Set (4339) Containing three resin parts, you get the two main bays and a deeply recessed and superbly detailed nose gear bay to improve the underside of your model. You will need to thin down the lip on the lower wing from the inside, which is easy to do with a curved blade that is used to scrape excess styrene away. Camera Bay Set (4333) As the main purpose of the RF-84 was recce, this set provides the five cameras and the bay covers to detail the area, with each camera consisting of two parts, and the bays having a fine quilted texture on the inside to represent the heat shielding applied to the hatches, which also have tiny resin hinge-points included. Flap Correction Set (Q48270) There are two replacement flaps in the box, with excellent detail, and according to the instructions they are of the correct angles of the edges. In conjunction with the aileron set below, they should be simple drop-in replacements to the kit parts. Aileron Correction Set (Q48271) In league with the Flap set above, this set corrects the shape of the kit parts, allowing direct replacement, so minimal effort on the modeller's part. They should probably have been put in the one set though, if they are reliant on each other fitting, but as they're not bank-breakingly expensive it's neither here nor there. Review sample courtesy of

CAC Boomerang/Wirraway Wheels 1:48 CMK by Special Hobby With the recent re-release of the Special Hobby Wirraway, reviewed here, it's natural that they should produce these wheels to improve detail for the kit, as well as its stablemate, the Boomerang, which shared the same wheel type. The set arrives in a card backed bag, with the instructions visible in green behind the parts, and everything held together by a single staple near the centre. The main wheels have a block tread and subtle weighting at the bottom, where the pouring block is attached, with the new tail wheel similarly attached, next to the replacement strut that supports it. Review sample courtesy of

Junkers Ju-88A-1/5/c-2/4 & A-4 Wheels 1:48 CMK from Special Hobby With the profusion of new Ju-88 kits coming out in 1:48, together with those already available CMK have issued two sets of wheels in their Quick & Easy range as drop-in replacements to kit parts to speed your build, whilst adding some additional detail. Each set arrives in a card backed bag, with the instructions visible in green behind the parts, and everything held together by a single staple near the centre. Junkers Ju-88A-1/5/c-2/4 Early (Q48273) Containing the main wheels and mudguard-equipped tail wheel for early 88s, all of which have a subtle weighting to the bottom, without overdoing it. The Continental logo and type details are embossed on the sidewalls, with a straight tread running perpendicular to the direction of travel. Casting blocks are on the bottom for the main wheels, while the tail wheel has a series of tubes with flash between then to reduce both the effort and clean-up needed to remove them from their block. Junkers Ju-88A-4 Late (Q48274) Containing the main wheels and mudguard-equipped tail wheel for late 88A-4s, all of which have a subtle weighting to the bottom, without overdoing it. The tyres have raised radial treads, which meet on the contact patch, running perpendicular to the direction of travel. Casting blocks are on the bottom for the main wheels, while the tail wheel has a series of tubes with flash between then to reduce both the effort and clean-up needed to remove them from their block. Yes, these two descriptions are very similar, but with good reason. Review sample courtesy of

British Anti-Submarine Bombs 250lb, 500lb & 600lb 1:48 CMK from Special Hobby We reviewed these chaps in 1:72 last year, and the good folks at Special Hobby have now scaled them up to 1:48 for us quarter-scale modellers. Starting with the tubular 250lb Mk.VIII depth charges, and including the Mk.IV bombs in 500lb and 600lb flavours, which more closely resemble normal iron bombs. As usual with CMK's resin sets, they arrive in the familiar clear vacformed box, with the resin parts safely inside, and the instructions sandwiched between the header card at the rear. Antisubmarine Bomb 250lb Mk.VIII (4358) Two resin depth charges with separate shackles for attachment to the carrying aircraft. The mould plug is attached via a cruciform gate, which minimises the effort needed to remove it from the block, and minimises clean-up. Antisubmarine Bomb 500lb Mk.IV (4359) Two streamlined bombs with a flat nose and tubular stabilising fin trailing the main body, plus separate shackles. The main pour stub again attaches via a cruciform gate to ease preparation. Antisubmarine Bomb 600lb Mk.IV (4360) The largest of the three, these two bombs have a more angular appearance, but with a domed nose, which requires attachment to the rear where the fins project from the bomb body. Another circular stabilising ring and separate shackles complete the package. Detail is excellent, and the attachment points are well thought out to ease your way, so that construction shouldn't take long at all. As usual with resin, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding resin, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in. Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them. Review sample courtesy of

US Marine with Flamethrower M2A1 – Iwo Jima 1945 1:35 CMK from Special Hobby By 1945 Allied forces were using Flamethrowers to root out the tenacious Japanese soldiers that simply wouldn't surrender, but would fight to the death, inflicting heavy casualties during each Island clearance. The US Marines did much of the drudgery, often being the first in and last out, and used the flamethrower extensively. The original M1 was developed in 1940, and improved until the M2 became prevalent later in the war. Containing only seven seconds worth of flammable napalm, it could project this lethally sticky burning liquid some 40 metres with a good wind behind it, although the wearer was weighed down by over 60lbs/30kg when full. They were also vulnerable targets and a round penetrating their fuel tank must have been their worst nightmare. With the introduction of flamethrower tanks, the man portable packs were withdrawn from service, with many destroyed. A similar design was also used in the Korean War, as well as later in the Vietnam War after more improvements. The set arrives in a clamshell box, with the resin parts safely cocooned within, and the instructions sandwiched between the header card behind. Inside is one figure (our photo shows the rear of the figure too for illustration purposes), separate head and arms, with the leading hand also separate to give flexibility of pose. The propellant bottle (nitrogen), hosing and the gun are all separate parts to add extra detail, and give the modeller the facility to change the pose, using hot water to manipulate the resin hose, or replace it with flexible tubing or wire. CMK's figure sculpting is excellent, and coupled with the ability of resin to depict undercuts in the mould, the cloth, belts and straps all appear very life-like. With careful painting, an impressive figure should be the result. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

MA-1A USAF Start Cart 1:48 CMK via Special Hobby This little cart provides the initial blast of air that begins the spooling up process of a Cold War jet engine. The air from the small turbine inside the cart is ducted through the flexible hose attached and into the aircraft, like blowing a giant windmill! Sat on its four wheels it can be hand-wrangled or towed by a tractor to wherever it is needed, and has been seen in various shades such as green, yellow and white. When not in use the hose is usually draped around the top of the cart, and while in use, the two panels on the top are set to their raised positions. The Kit This is a new resin kit from Special Hobby's resin arm, and arrives in a small yellow box, which is a description that you could also use for the cart itself. Inside are a bag of smaller resin parts, the main body of the cart, a ziplok bag containing decals and a Photo-Etch (PE) brass sheet, and of course a folded A4 sheet of instructions in colour. As you would imagine, it is a simple build, with the main body consisting of one large lump, which just needs its underside trimming flat. The wheels are attached to stub axles and locate in depressions in the base, the towing frame fits under the front, and the arm is then fitted either flat, or raised up out of the way. The opening hatches on the top are folded up to shape, and fixed to the deck as per the diagrams, while the instrument panel is recessed into the rear face, and has a double-sided PE cover that hinges down in use. The hose is supplied in two pieces of resin, which you will need to heat and shape to suit your needs, which is best done with some water out of a recently boiled kettle. Watch your fingers, and remember to pin or tape the parts to shape while they cool off, using cold water to speed the process. As usual with resin, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding resin, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in. Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them. Markings A small sheet of decals are included for the various stencils and corner markers, and the cart is shown painted yellow, although the other colour options could equally be built by checking the few references out there. Decals for the instrument panel are clear, registration, colour density and sharpness are good, with a nice thin carrier film. Conclusion With plenty of scope for beating up the paint-job, this should be a quick and satisfying project that adds both scale and a more candid nature to any Cold War jet model display. An easy build should make it quite appealing to even the resin novice. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Shorts Tucano Cockpit Set, Engine Set, Exterior Set & Control Surfaces CMK/Special Hobby 1:72 Cockpit Set (7358) Special Hobby through their CMK line continue to increase their range of resin enhancement sets for various kits. This set provides a new cockpit tub, Seats, Sidewalls, instrument panels and coamings, with films for the instruments. Engine Set (7357) This set provides a new engine and engine bay to be displayed open, with the engine panels. Also provided are new exhausts, prop spinner, & prop blades Exterior Set (7359) This set provides a new luggage bay, ventral air-brake, and undercarriage doors. Control Surfaces (7356) This set provides all the wing control surfaces, tail surfaces; and a replacement rudder. Review samples courtesy of Conclusion These are great sets, whether you use one or more they will enhance your kit.

Me 163A Komet Interior Set & Control Surfaces CMK/Special Hobby 1:72 Interior Set (7350) Special Hobby through their CMK line continue to increase their range of resin enhancement sets for various kits. This set provides a new cockpit tub, Seat, control column; and instrument panel back in resin. Also included are photo etched details for the instrument panel, rudder pedals, control wheel; and seatbelts. Control Surfaces (7351) This set provides all the wing control surfaces and a replacement rudder. Review samples courtesy of Conclusion These are great sets that will enhance any kit you wish to use them on.

AS-12 Missiles CMK/Special Hobby 1:72 The AS-12 was an air-to-surface wire guided missile developed by Nord Aviation. It was primarily an anti shipping missile designed to be deployed from Helicopters although it was used by fixed wing aircraft. Special Hobby through their CMK line continue to increase their range of resin enhancement sets for various kits. This set provides 2 missiles which as attached to their mounting rails. For each missile there are two exhaust tubes and four fins to attach. The quality of the casting is first rate. Review sample courtesy of Conclusion This is a great set that will enhance any kit you wish to use them on.

Matra F2 (SNEB) Rocket Pods CMK/Special Hobby 1:72 The Matra F2 pod holds 6 x 68mm SNEB rockets. Special Hobby through their CMK line continue to increase their range of resin enhancement sets for various kits. This set provides 4 of the F2 Pods. The POD is one main part with a rear cover as a separate part. The quality of the casting is good with thought being given to how the parts attach to the pour blocks. Review sample courtesy of Conclusion This is a great set that will enhance any kit you wish to use them on.

Mirage F.1 RPL-201 Centreline Tank CMK/Special Hobby 1:72 Special Hobby through their CMK line continue to increase their range of resin enhancement sets for various kits. This set if to provide the option of having a centreline tank for their new Mirage F.1 Kits (also will fit other kits). The main tank is one casting with the two gins as separate parts. The web attaching the tank is thin and on the surface you attach to the model. Review sample courtesy of Conclusion This is a great set that will enhance any of the F.1s available.

CMK(?) is to to release a 1/48th MA-1A USAF start cart (generating high velocity air for starting an aircraft jet engine) resin kit - ref. 8054 Source: http://www.specialhobby.net/2017/01/8054-ma-1a-usaf-start-cart-148.html 3D renders V.P.

German WWII Anti-Tank Rifle Solothurn S18/1000 with carriage 1:35 CMK by Special Hobby After WWI, Germany was forbidden from manufacturing certain arms on German soil, so Rheinmetall used their Swiss company Solothurn to circumvent this. This 20mm anti-tank rifle was hardly portable, and suffered from high recoil, which made it difficult to use, but was used by the Germans, Italy and China in small quantities, with a wheeled carriage improving its mobility, but making it quite a bulky proposition for its crew. It had a small bipod at the front, with a monopod supporting the weight of the buttstock, relieving the strain on its operator, and could be set up with either a bulky magazine, or as a belt-fed weapon, with a number of different cartridges used that required changes of the brake to cope with the change in recoil pattern. Everything about it was large, including the recoil, and it weighed in at over 100lbs without ammunition, so the trolley was a must for anything more than a short walk. The cartridge is wound out by a handle on the side of the breech, which takes three turns, so a quick rate of fire must have been very tricky, although it could penetrate the armour of a T-34 with a well-placed shot. It was of the bullpup design, with the trigger forward of the breech to make it more "compact", which at a shade over 69" or 1.7m would appear to have been relative. This set from CMK gives you the option of having one of these unusual weapons in your arsenal, or salted away in a diorama. It is a resin kit, and comes in a small vacformed shell with the instructions and header card forming the rear. Inside are twenty three parts in a pale grey resin, some of which are quite delicate, such as the curved legs on each side. Construction is simple after removing the parts from their pouring blocks and cleaning them up, based upon a T-shaped chassis with the wheels at the two open ends of the T. A mount is added to the remaining leg of the T, and the weapon is placed on top, with optional optical scope and magazine. Alternatively, you can build it with its legs down off the carriage by constructing the bipod/tripod legs in the down position. The trolley can be fitted with a pair of tapering boxes of additional ammo, which fit either side of the weapon on the axle. As you can see, the casting is excellent, and the attention to detail, coupled with the tiny contact patches between the parts and their pouring blocks should make for a trouble-free build. The pic below has been lifted from CMK's site to show you what the finished rifle looks like without you having to resort to Google: It's a shame it didn't come with crew to round out its potential, but nonetheless it makes an interesting and unusual item for your collection, and it won't take you months to complete it, unless it's part of a larger build. Highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Source: http://www.specialhobby.info/2016/12/cmk-sets-for-172-short-tucano-t1-172.html V.P.

E E Lightning Detail Sets (for Airfix 1:48) CMK by Special Hobby There are a lot of Britmodellers who must have a soft-spot for the English Electric Lightning, and if you model in 1:48, the Airfix kit is the way to go, as it is perhaps the best of that era from the pre-Hornby days. Two versions are available, and each have been reissued on more than one occasion, so you can choose from the F.2A/F.6 or the F.1/F.1A/F.2/F.3 boxing, or get the both like I've done. Along come Special Hobby, perhaps spurred on by the recent Eduard boxing, with a spread of aftermarket resin sets for both kitted versions. Each set arrives in a clamshell box suitable for their shape and size, with the resin parts cocooned inside, and the instructions sandwiched between the plastic and the card header. Some sets are specific to each kit, while others are suitable for both, such is their common subject matter. Airbrakes Set (4343) All Variants This is the most simple of the sets, containing just eight pieces of resin, two of which are spares in case you lose any of the brake jacks. The instructions show which part of the fuselage skin you need to cut away to allow you to fit the single part bays from the inside. These have a small amount of wiring moulded in, and a mounting point for the base of the actuating piston. The other end fits into the hinge-point on the brake itself, and that as they say, is that. Colour call-outs are made throughout the short instruction booklet using names and Humbrol colours for reference. Front Undercarriage Bay (4344) All Variants Although this set is designated as the nose gear bay, it also includes the distinctive nose cone and intake bullet that is seen at the centre of the intake. This replaces the kit parts, with the radome a separate part from the bullet, which also houses the detailed gear bay. A small probe is added under the radome with a stator vane added to the top, and this is then sandwiched within the kit trunking. And after the fuselage is completed, the three resin gear bay doors are glued into place on their hinges. Again, colour call-outs are in Humbrol codes. Main Undercarriage Bays (4345) All Variants The Lightning's wings are very thin, and the gear bays are too, which leaves little room to cram in the detail. The instructions suggest thinning the upper wing as much as possible in an area marked out in a separate diagram, which will ease the job substantially. The main parts have been moulded with the casting lug at the side, so that thinning the roof of the bay shouldn't be necessary, but as it is reasonably thick, some thinning can be done if required. The same process is done to the lower wing to give a realistically thin edge and accommodate the bay walls, so there will be lots of scraping and sanding done before fitting. With the bays in place, the three-part bay doors can be added, and detail throughout is superb, from the hosing within the bays to the shape of the doors, making a substantial improvement to the area that is well worth the effort. Control Surfaces (4346) F1/F1A/F2/F3 A full set of resin flying surfaces for the Lightning, including ailerons, flaps and rudder, for which you will need to remove the areas on the kit wings, as shown in the first step of the instructions. As well as removing the need to reform the kit parts' leading edges, the resin parts allow you to take the easiest and most destructive way of removing the areas of the kit wings, without worrying about damaging the surfaces in the process. Bring on the Dremel! Control Surfaces (4349) F2A/F6 This set is as per the one above, but has the simple ailerons that were used in these marks, with the same rudder and flap sections. Cockpit Set (4347) F1/F1A Comprising a complete replacement cockpit tub for the early Lightning, it also includes a new seat; coaming; side wall inserts; rear deck and new side consoles, plus a sheet of printed acetate for the instrument panels, which will need painting white on the rear. The seat has moulded in straps, and a separate resin ejection lever for the headbox. The control column is also included along with a couple of smaller instrument panels that are festooned around the main one. Detail is good throughout, although the resin panel seems a little soft (as opposed to sharp) on my sample. Cockpit Set (4350) F2/F2A/F3/F6 This set is broadly similar to the one above, but has a different instrument layout moulded into the sides of the tub, and comes with four alternative main panels depending on which variant you are modelling, with a larger sheet of acetate that has all of the instruments printed out to add behind. The seat, coaming, side walls and rear deck are of course the same in both sets. Engine Set (4348) F2A/F6 This five piece set comes in a larger box because of its size. It depicts the topmost Number 2 engine of the double-stack, and allows the display of the large panel that hinges open in the mid-fuselage to expose the Rolls-Royce Avon engine. A tray sits at the bottom of the cut-out and supports the engine, with a pair of bulkheads either end. This isn't strictly-speaking accurate, as the bay floor isn't flat, but due to the cramped nature of the fuselage interior, it won't really notice, and if it bothers you there are some great photos out there on the 'net to allow you to add any extra bits that are vaguely seen down the sides. With a little extra wiring etc. around the place and perhaps the V-shaped stay, the highly detailed engine and scale-thickness fuselage panel will look striking with some sympathetic painting. Conclusion Wow! That's a lot of resin, and you can of course pick and choose what you want to use from all those sets. As usual, take the precaution of wearing a mask when cutting or sanding resin, as the tiny particles are harmful to your health if breathed in. Washing the parts in warm water will also improve the adhesion of paint, as there may still be some moulding release agent on the parts when you receive them. Highly recommended, and available soon. Review sample courtesy of

NEW PROJECT!! I have been collecting detail sets for Revell's Mi-24 Hind for quite some time now, but could not decide on a scheme, let alone starting this beast! It is know for being the most accurate Hind in 1/48 - the only one available- Minihobby/Trumpeter did one many years ago, but it is said to be more or less the same kit as this one. The kit should represent an early Hind D reasonably well out of the box, with problem areas being the tail which is said to be too short. additionally Mil, the original designer of this Russian helicopter decided to counter the rotor rotatory moment in part in a very novell/ peculiar way in tilting the whole fuselage aft of the cockpit section 2.5° to the right. On the ground a Mi-24 always seems to be leaning to one side!! of course the kit does not represent this asymmetry at all, but is perfectly straight ! lets see how to correct this! so, here you can see all the assortment of AM kits and the kit itself some time ago in the sun: I acquired the Pavla cockpit set at an airshow in Slovakia about 3 years ago, falling in love with the helicopter display there, still without the kit itself...! detail is quite nice and a real improvement on the kit. CMK detail/ upgrade set to make a more modern Mi-24 V that is more commonly used nowadays in Europe. this comprehensive set is made especially for the Minihobby / Trumpeter kit, so maybe some adjustment will be necessary. For me it was better value than the other, seperately sold sets for Revelll/ Monogram's kit. It consists if new wing pylons with new camera fairing, nice, detailed pylons, a pair of external fuel tanks, bulged wheels, flare dispensers and other detail like laser/ RF targeting devices especially for this version. finally I got this rotor head and rotor correction from ruporator / ebay. He designs, makes and sells mainly 1/32 and 1/35 full resin kits (Su-7, Su-17, Su-22, Mi-8 weapons,...) and this nice one here: contains correctly shaped rotor blades, and a new rotor head. reinforced with metal inserts! uncleaned blade detail: all my treasures together before starting: it is NOT a small kit at all!