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USS Alaska/Guam Barrels 1:350 Master Models Master models continue to build up their range of 1:350 scale armament sets, but they are now increasing the items produced to add other accessories. As usual they are well up to the standard we’ve come to expect from Master Models. [350-099] - This set is for the Trumpeter USS Alaska and USS Guam kits it includes both main, (12”), secondary, (5”). These are all direct replacements for the kit parts, unlike the normal sets in which you just cut off the kit barrels, drill a hole and glue the metal barrels onto the remaining plastic parts, this set also includes resin trunnions. You still need to drill out the resin parts to 1.6mm and 0.9mm respectively, and then you just add to the trunnion mounts within the turrets. For the 40mm and 20mm guns Master already do replacement sets and even complete mounts for these, so are not included in this set. Conclusion This is a nice easy way to give your Alaska/Guam kits that little bit of finesse that makes a nice model look great. The metal barrels are much more to scale than plastic can ever be moulded. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

Hi all, I will join this GB with Italeri's MiG-29A. I'll do a super-detailed build using Aires' resin cockpit, exhaust nozzles and air-brakes, Arma Hobby's resin nose and closed upper air intakes, and Master's brass pitot tube and static dischargers. I have already all the items, except the static dischargers, which should arrive next week. I'll build a soviet machine from the 1980's as displayed in the Farnborough Air Show. I'll use the kit's decals. Here's the box: IMAG4776 The sprues: IMAG4777 IMAG4778 The transparent parts, which look good enough, as I'll pose the canopy open: IMAG4779 The decals, which don't come with many stencils: IMAG4780 The resin cockpit, which also comes with a PE fret for the instrument panel and other details: IMAG4781 The resin exhaust nozzles, which also come with a small PE fret for the flame holders: IMAG4782 The resin air-brakes: IMAG4783 The resin nose cone and closed upper air intakes: IMAG4784 As I will display the aircraft in a parked position, with open canopy and air-brakes, should the main and upper intakes be all closed? Finally, the brass pitot tube: I will need some time to plan the build, especially regarding the insertion of the resin parts and the detailed painting of the cockpit, before I get back here with progress reports. Thanks for looking. Jaime

French Pre-Dreadnought Danton Gun Set 1:350 Master Models A new month and a new set of barrels as Master models continue to build up their range of 1:350 scale armament sets. This set is for the recently released Hobbyboss French pre-dreadnought battleship Danton. As usual they are well up to the standard we’ve come to expect from Master Models. [350-097] The guns in the kit are pretty good for injection moulded parts, but you can’t beat some finely machine turned brass barrels to add that extra finesse to the model. In this set you get four 305mm aluminium barrels, twelve 240mm aluminium barrels, sixteen 75mm brass barrels and twelve 47mm brass barrels. The set also includes six resin trunnion mounts for the 240mm barrels and two for the 305mm barrels. These replace the trunnions in the kit. You will need to cut the kit barrels from the 75mm and 47mm mountings and drill appropriate sized holes both 0.5” and 0.3”. Conclusion Master models just amaze me how they continue to churn these sets out and keep the quality so high, just what you need to give your model a lift. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

IJN Pre-Dreadnought Mikasa Gun Set 1:200 Master Models As the number of 1:200 scale warships increases so does the number of sets that Master Models release. This set is for the Merit International IJN Pre-Dreadnought Mikasa, but should also be ok to use on the recently released Hobbyboss kit. They are well up to the standard we’ve come to expect from Master Models. [200-009] This set is a combination of turned brass and aluminium barrels, the larger items, such as the four 305mm and the fourteen 152mm are aluminium, whereas the twenty 76mm and twelve 47mm are in brass. The 305mm main guns also have brass trunnions, which are inserted into the hole near the rear of the barrel, these then fit into the kit trunnion mounts. All the barrels are so cleanly machined, so it’s quite unusual to find any swarf or imperfections, although there are one or two of the 152mm barrels in this particular set that will need some swarf to be cleaned off before use, fortunately this is only found around the joining pin, so doesn’t affect the look of the barrels. Conclusion Even in this large scale, injection moulding cannot always get the look and size of the barrels quite right, and this is where these amazing sets come into their own. Being meal they also have that “weighty” look that is difficult to explain, but you know when you see it. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

Miscellaneous Items for IBG Rosomak APC 1:35 Master The IBG Rosomak Polish armoured personnel carrier is a superb kit in its own right. But, naturally, MASTER models have found a way of improving it with the three sets reviewed here. [GM-35-013] – Although designed for the IBG kit, this single straight aerial set could be used on other vehicles. The set includes the aerial, the aerial spring base and two elements, as MASTER describe them. These elements are attached to the base, and are in fact protective covers for the aerial base if the aerial itself is removed, so you only need to fit one. Suffice to say they are very small and well protected in their foam square within the package. [GM-35-014] – Another aerial set for the Rosomak, or any other vehicle with a similar aerial set up. This set includes the aerial, bent spring base, the same elements as above, a small sheet of etched brass and a length of fine cord. The aerial is glued to the base unit along with the elements, then, one of the PE tensioning rope rings is bent to shape and slide over the top of the aerial, while another pair of rings are attached to the turret with two brass rivets, for which a 0.5mm hole is required. The cable is run from one turret ring, via a carabineer and cable mounted eye ring, through the aerial ring and back to the other turret ring, with the same set up as the first ensuring it has the right tension. [GM-35-015] – Smoke grenade launchers. This set is for the Rosomak vehicles with the 30mm turret. It consists of a resin plate, brass launcher tubes, two types of resin covers and five brass rivets. The brass tubes are fitted into the tubes on the resin plate, the choice of cover decided upon and attached. The plate is then fitted to the kit turret and five 0.5mm holes drilled, into which the brass rivets are glued. Conclusion Here we have three more very useful and attractive sets. The aerial look great, but are easily bent and care should be taken if displaying near children, particularly at shows, as they are very sharp and could easily hurt someone looking too closely. The smoke launcher set is very nice, but prepare to test your eyes with the rivets. This goes for the cable attachment points on the bent aerials set too. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

Gun Barrels For Hawker Typhoons 1:24 Master This month’s releases from Master Models include these two sets for the Airfix 1:24 Hawker Typhoons. [AM-24-014] – This set is designed for early aircraft with flat recoil springs. Each barrel comes in three parts and the only preparation you have to do to the kit is to cut off 4mm from the tip of each kit fairing and open the hole out to 3mm. The aluminium fairing tip is the glued into place, followed by the spring section and finally the muzzle section. [AM-24-015] – This set is designed for later aircraft with the round recoil springs. These barrels come in four parts and require the same preparation to the kit fairing tips before the aluminium replacement tip is attached, followed by the rear barrel section, separate spring and finally the muzzle section. Conclusion The outstanding Airfix kits are a work of art and require much patience and skill to make them look amazing. These simple sets will be the cream that tops it all off. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

Gun Barrels & Pitot Probes 1:32 Master This month’s releases from Master Models include these two sets for 1:32 scale aircraft. [AM-32-095] – Designed to be used with the Special Hobby Tempest Mk.V they are a simple replacement for the kits barrels, these being with a full jacket. Since they are a direct replacement, the wings will not require drilling out. Instead a backing plate will need to be made, if there isn’t one in the kit, and the barrels glued to that, ensuring the inner and outer barrels are correctly orientated, as the outer barrel is longer than the inner. [AM-32-096] – Designed to be used with the Special Hobby Tempest Mk.II and the hopefully released Sea Fury, they are a simple replacement for the kits barrels, these being with the fully inserted, shorter barrelled type. As with the above set the barrels will need a backing plate and ensure the inner barrel is recessed further into the wing than the outer. The pitot probe needs a 1.2mm hole to be drilled out before the probe can be glued into place. Conclusion The Special Hobby Tempest series of releases are superb in their own right, but adding more detail can be just as enjoyable and these sets, as simple as they are will do just that. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

Gun Barrels & Pitot Probes 1:48 Master This month’s releases from Master Models include these three sets for 1:48 scale aircraft. Two of the sets are the more usual replacement barrels for the Hawker Tempest series, and one set for the SR-71 Blackbird that contains the pitot probe. [AM-48-132] – This set for the SR-71 Blackbird contains a three piece pitot probe, with the two brass parts joined by a resin element. Whether it’s normal to have a spare element is normal in the sets or not, but this set does. Just glue the brass and resin parts together and, having drilled a 0.6mm hole in the nose of the model, glue into position. [AM-48-133] – Designed to be used with the any early 1:48 Tempest Mk.V they are a simple replacement for the kits barrels, these being with a full jacket. Just drill out a 2.2mm hole where each barrel is to be fitted, then glue into place, ensuring the inner barrel is inserted 1.3mm further into the wing. [AM-48-134] – This set is designed for any Tempest Mk.II/Mk.V late, Fury or Sea Fury and contains four barrels and a pitot probe. Once the holes have been drilled out to 1.8mm the barrels are inserted so that the outer muzzle is visible just ahead of the leading edge of the wing, while the inner barrel should be 1.3mm further in so that you can just see the muzzle in the hole. The pitot probe requires a 0.8mm hole drilled out before the probe can be glued into position. Conclusion Master Models just can’t stop bringing new sets out for the benefit of those who like to have the highest level of detail in their models. It’s great to see older kits still being catered for too. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

I'm calling this finishedish. I may tinker a bit more but it's basically done.

HMS Ark Royal Gun Set 1:350 Master Models Master models continue to build up their range of 1:350 scale armament sets, but they are now increasing the items produced to add other accessories, which now includes two of the three releases reviewed here. As usual they are well up to the standard we’ve come to expect from Master Models. [350-096] This set covers all the weaponry fitted to the recently released Trumpeter kit. Whilst the kit is great, you can’t beat some finely machine turned brass barrels to add that extra finesse to the model. In this set you get sixteen 4.5” barrels, 24 long plus 24 short barrels for the octuple PomPoms and 32 Vickers 0.50” barrels for the quad mounts. You will need to cut the kit barrels from the mountings/trunnions and drill appropriate sized holes both 0.5” and 0.3”. For pre November 1941 builds you will need to remove the flash hiders off the PomPom barrels. Conclusion This is another great and useful set to give your Ark Royal model that little bit of pizzazz. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

MikromIr has 1/48th Miles M.9 Master I/ II/ III kits in project Source: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235019258-miles-m9-master-i-ii-iii-148/ V.P.

Pitot Probes 1:144 Master I’d really love to see the machines Master Models uses to make their amazing pitot probes, whilst I can get the manufacture of the 1:48 and even1:72 scale probes, this selection in 1:144, just defy comprehension. As to how you use them, normally I would say just drill a hole and glue into position, but in this scale it will be a case of, very carefully drill a tiny hole and glue. You will obviously need a good magnifier, a fine pair of tweezers and a very steady hand. They are all generic, so can be fitted to any 1:144 sale kit of the particular subject. [AM-144-013] – This is for the North American F-100 Super Sabre [AM-144-014] – Lockheed F-104 Starfighter [AM-144-015] – Republic F-105 Thunderchief. [AM-144-016] – Convair F-106 Delta Dart [AM-144-017] – BAC Lightning [AM-144-018] – Convair B-58 Hustler [AM-144-019] – Hawker Hunter Conclusion I think I need to buy a macro lens, as these items are so small my poor camera couldn’t cope with trying to focus. That said have looked at them under a magnifying glass, they are superbly made, with only a tiny bit of swarf and the blunt end. Do be careful when fitting these, as they are really sharp. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

USN 40mm Bofors Twin mounts 1:350 Master Models We’ve had quite a few new sets in from Master Models, mostly turned brass or aluminium, yet with these sets they have added another dimension with the inclusion of resin and photo etched parts. The resin and etch seem to have been produced by North Star and incorporated into the sets. The new boxes are great too, with the resin parts in their own compartments in the foam for added protection. [SM-350-091] This set contains six version 1 mounts, each mount is made up from no less than seventeen parts, so get your optivisors and finest tweezers out, as you’re going to need them. Once finished though they will look amazing when complete. The resin gun mount is fitted with a resin front piece and two PE seats complete with footrests. The gun slide is then rolled to shape and fitted to the mount, along with two hand wheels. The twin guns are built using a resin breech, two brass barrels, PE sights and sight covers and a PE elevation arc. The gun assembly is then attached to the mounting, which is then finished off with the rear mounted railings. The set also include a director sighting pedestal, made from a resin pedestal, shoulder guides and deck mounting ring. [SM-350-092] – This set is for version 2 of the twin 40mm Bofors mounts and is the same build as the version above, with a different rear mounted railing, which is complete with ammunition storage racks. Conclusion I have to say, I really like these sets, the level of detail is amazing, if rather fiddly and eye watering. They will certainly add that extra something to a model. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

USN 40mm Bofors Quad mounts 1:350 Master Models As we saw in the Twin Mounts sets reviewed HERE, MASTER models are upping their game with the maritime releases. Once again we see a selection of resin, PE and turned brass. The resin and etch have also been produced by North Star and incorporated into the sets. The new boxes the same style too, with the resin parts in their own compartments in the foam for added protection. [SM-350-093] As with the twin sets, this set contains six version 1 mounts, each mount is made up from no less than twenty two parts, so, once again you will need your optivisors and best tweezers, along with an extra bottle of patience, as you will need them. The resin gun mount is fitted with a two resin front pieces and two PE seats complete with footrests. The gun slides are then rolled to shape and fitted to the mount, along with two hand wheels. Two pairs of twin guns are built using a resin breech, two brass barrels, PE sights and sight covers and a PE elevation arc. The gun assemblies are then attached to the mounting, which is then finished off with the rear mounted railings which have ammunition storage racks built in. The set also include a Mk51 director sighting pedestal, made from a resin pedestal, shoulder guides and deck mounting ring. [SM-350-094] – This set is for version 2 of the twin 40mm Bofors mounts and is the same build as the version above, but, unlike the twin mounts, I cannot see any appreciable differences, unless it’s the fact that version 1 is a manual mounting and version2 is power operated as there is some slight equipment differences on the mounting, but only if viewed through a magnifying glass.. [SM-350-095] – This set is for version 3 of the twin 40mm Bofors mounts and is the same build as the version 2 above, with a different rear mounted railing, and a full splinter shield to the front. Conclusion Since these mountings were fitted to almost every US warship from the frigate and larger, these sets can be used on almost any model released. Just check you references to check which mounting was used. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

Pitot Probes and Guns for Mig 25’s, Mig 31 and AH-64 1:48 Master Models The latest releases from Master Models in their series of replacement pitot probes have recently arrived at BMs London offices. They are well up to their usual standard and very sharp, so care should be taken once fitted. They are so much better than the styrene ones found in the kits. [AM-48-125] – Has been designed for all kits of the AH-64A Apache and contains the M230 Chain gun barrels pitot probes and tail antenna. [AM-48-129] – This pack includes turned brass pitot tube and resin element for the ICM Mig 25 Foxbat kit. [AM-48-130] – This pack includes turned brass pitot tube for the Kitty Hawk Mig-25PD/PDS(Foxbat E) [AM-48-131] – This pack includes turned brass pitot tube and resin element for the AMK Mig-31 Foxhound Conclusion Master Models must have a tremendous machining set up to be able to produce so many different pitot probes and to produce them with such finesse. The always look great on the finished model. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

Hi all! I'm new to this - can the areas to where I have used this product then be masked with Tamiya tape for airbrushing? Or do I need to "fix" the weathering - jet pipe burns and "blue" in this case - with a varnish coat before masking? Thanks as always. Martin

AH-1W Super Cobra NTS HMLA-467 9/11 tribute the plan for the time being is to do the following mashine; AH-1W BuNo. 160820, HMLA-467 in tribute markings (FDNY 9/11 tribute scheme) Caracal decals provided the inspiration and will provide the decals I hope! (I still have to order them!! ) http://caracalmodels.com/cd48116.html http://www.rs.nato.int/article/news/tribute-to-new-york-fire-department-ladder-company-patrols-afghan-sky.html but I got hold of the necessary conversion set from Olimp models (NTS update and new exhaust shrouds), was a bit hard to find I have to say! Only Then! I got the kit locally in the store should have the 20mm cannon from Master somewhere in the stash... and then- there is nothing more out there that could complicate/ lengthen the build! not even PE from Eduard.... thanks Craig for some tips already in his thread (rotors turn wrong in the kit!!!!) already started to cut plastic and resin

very long awaited decals came out last week! :) so had to start a Mirage 2000 immediately! basic Heller kit with hopefully all the necessary updates it will be posed as in flight, with engine in military power, and slats deployed. I will have to find a solution on how to mount it to a base! - suggestions welcome!!! anyone able to guess the paint scheme??

Hunter Mk.59 Iraqi Airforce 6 day war 1967 Academy 1/48 one GB ended, so let us start a new one.... . just joking, really looking forward to this one for more than a year now! quite a lot of reseach already done last year in preparation for this GB, you guys helped tremendously already!!! http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234975520-hunter-mk59-mk59a-iraqi-airforce-questions-for-the-hunter-specialists/?hl=hunter here is what I have for now, I hope this will suffice As I understand it, the FGA.9 boxing is the way to go, only diference being the flaps and exhaust area (which will be replaced by PJ prodctions version anyways) some things I observed: wheels: Academy ones are said to be too skinny, but now????: quite a difference here in detail and proportions....... what do you think?? the same here in the cockpit area hard to think these represent basically the same..... both a vast improvement over the kit items nonetheless Werner

Hi guys, Just discovered that when I want to build the GR.3 Harrier I have there will hardly present itself a better opportunity than doing it here and now... ... because when Kinetics Gr.3 is available, time for this will be very hard to justify!..... ...and as there are surprisingly few Harriers present in this GB.... If the mods will let me join at this late stage, I will do my best to present a decent GR.3 in Falklands markings.... here is what I have: I someone has objections for this decals, I'd have alternatively Xtradecals 25 years anniversary of Falklands operations decals.... happy for a "go" cheers, Werner

http://www.master-model.pl/ https://www.facebook.com/MASTERbarrels V.P.

I would like to make my SEAC collection something more than standard set of Hurricane, Thunderbolt, Spitfire, Mohawk, Vengeance, Blenheim, Beaufighter, Mosquito, Auster, Sentinel, Lysander, Harvard, Expeditor, Dakota, Swordfish, Catalina, Sunderland, Walrus, Warwick, Wellington, Mitchell and Liberator. So I'm looking for pictures of other SEAC aircraft wearing "India White" roundels. Among "suspected" types there are: Anson, Oxford, Hudson, Tiger Moth, Proctor and (maybe) Master and Magister. All other RAF & FAA types used in this theatre (Audax, Hart, Hind, Wapiti, Valentia, Vildebeest, Buffalo, Beaufort, Albacore, Fulmar, Singapore) have been probably retired before the small roundel with pale blue centre was introduced. Or maybe I'm wrong?

I am going to build a MiG-17F as a fighter bomber as used by Egypt in the war of attrition against Israel form the 6 days war of 67 up to the 1973 war to reclaim the Sinai peninsula. good in interesting reading from the arab/ not so well known point of view: Arab MiGs vol. 1-5 from Harpia publishing first dilema: which camouflage scheme to do? Egypt started to camouflage its aircraft right after the 67 war for good reasons. in the beginning quite crudely with light blue/ light grey undersides and sand/green/brown upper sides. hardly all aircrasft seem to be different. Later the famous nile valley scheme started to appear... to make matters more complicated, up to 1972? the roundels of the UARAF (United Arab Republic Air Force) Then the 2 stars of the roundels deleted and the flag usually carried on the tail received the so called Eagle of Saladin... I have decals for those... or could search for the older ones on other sheets. Here is what I have for now: kit with some necessary accessories and the kit's decals. looks good so far... fuselage with deep panel lines but quite nice shape: and the all important ordnance for a egyptian aircraft: unguided 76mm sakr rockets only available in the SMER kit additionally fuselage bomb pylons and bombs (to be replaced I think with aerobonus or similar) as well as 57 mm rocket pods. I bought more sheets than necessary... Hi Decal upper left, ILIAD upper right, SMER low: looking at the Eagle of Saladin in detail though: the kit decal look more childish, don't they? Hi Decals chose to do a very different eagle with a black outline, whereas Iliad design did a sheet for the Mig-15UTI with a red / gold outlined eagle.(apart from that, it is to be used for an aircraft of the 6 days war of 67....) so, which ones to use? or should I ditch them all and use the UARAF 2 stars and go for an "early" war of attrition?

as I wrote myself into trouble accepting 2 different group-builds at more or less the same time here the other one I am working on in parallel.....; http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234982350-s-75-dwina-sa-2-guideline-sam-egypt-148/ but as I liked the idea of a tribute Tornado build, breaking the gb calendar planing just as the reason for the gb came unplanned,,,, I will try to to my best keeping the deadlines... apart from that, the cause of the gb also help me in tackling this rather not up to date kit.... I will try to put in quite some Aftermarket designed for other, more modern kits... so lets see the newer, not necessarily better version of Airfix's F3 rendition: too good to be thrown away? lets see AM: AIres landing gear bays and SAC metal landing gears both for the Hobbyboss kit so they fit each other, I will hopefully get a nicely detailed and sturdy landing gear out of this combo! hope it will be fitable ! Aires ejection seats: should fit without mayor problems Paragon exhausts and wing seals: for the Italeri kit I think Eduard PE for the F3 from Hobbyboss: this should lead to a more or less detailed and correct cockpit (for the year 2000 also????) WILL FIT! Master pitot: obligatory Decals from better days of Model Alliance.... the red is a bit dark.... I think I will also need some new wheels... (are the ones from Eduard any good?, other suggestions?) upper and lower fuselage taped togther: in length they fit well, in width no so much... upper one with recessed panel lines, lower fuselage with thin raised ones.... for comparison see here; the older, more consistent upper fuselage jumps your eye hopefully http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234983159-tornado-f3-148-airfix-update-2-14-6-2015/ some nice inspiration for everybody: http://www.fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=43209&start=40 http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK---Air/Panavia-Tornado-F3/0208205/L/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/corkspotter/16779793000/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/corkspotter/16781066619/ http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1261068/ http://s230.photobucket.com/user/harry_tranter/media/ZE339AV_.jpg.html thanks for watching and your opinions! let the fun begin! Cheers, Werner

Hello everyone: group photos of my recently finished Egyptian MiG-17F and MiG-17PF Frescos: the MiG-17PF in natural metal is from around the 1967 war with Israel. Hobbyboss plastic (very good, hardly any problems) still in UARAF (United Arab Republic Air Force) markings, decals are sourced from various sources, the 31st squadron "bat crow" unit insignia was printed at home with the artwork provided by Tom Cooper, thanks!!, see in progress build KK-2 ejection seat is from Aires (a bit small!), 23mm cannons and pitots are from Master and very recommendable! the MiG-17F is from the closing stages of the war of attrition/ beginning of the Yom Kippur war, in cmouflage colors, but an example apinted before the Nile valley camo scheme was introduces fleetwide. the flag shows the Hawk of Quraish which was used from late 1972 up until the 80ies when it was slowly replaced by the current Eagle of Saladin. Decas are Hi-Decals, which at the moment seem to be the only ones who provide the correct flag for this time frame. the decals were reshaped though. Arab numbers come from the Iraqi airfoces decals sheet from Lindenhill decals. cannons and pitots are from Master, the KK-2 ejection seat is from Neomega resin (very recommendable!) the MiG-17F is armed with one 37mm and 2 23mm cannons in the nose, as well as 8 Sakr rockets and 2 250kg bombs on fuselage pylons only to be found on Egyptian MiG-17s! in progress and lots of additional information from Tom Cooper, many many thanks!!!!, without your help this build would not be half as accurate!!!!!, and all the others that contributed can be found here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234974798-mig-17f-and-pf-fresco-june-1967-and-war-of-attrition-1967-1973-double-build-148/ so here some impressions: now fully armed: more photos of the individual planes will follow soon if you want thanks for looking, reading and your comments! regards, Werner