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Hi guys, I'm building a MkXIX. Serial MM650 to be exact. I opened up the holes in the kits lower wings for what I believe is Altimeter radar aerials. Then I found this photo of a fresh plane 2 airframes later without these aerials. Is it possible they get added later or should I plug the holes and omit them from the build? So far there's no photos of MM650 to confirm our deny their existence. Also, were the radar dipoles on the wingtips bladed or round? The kit parts look round and a little thick. I wanted to replace them with thinner stainless wire to make them more scale and durable. If they were bladed it will require a different solution. Thanks Ron

One of the many things I've always struggled with in 72nd scale is producing and attaching aerial wires, typically running from the tail fin to a canopy, aerial mast or wing as required, plus also creating situations such as the Bf/Me 109 where a further wire runs off the main wire to the fuselage. And as for those running from the tail plane to the fuselage, such as IFF wires, I've not even approached these. No matter what I try it always ends in failure so any clues how I can overcome this enigma of a puzzle please. Regards Colin. Ps. just bought some black elasticated rigging thread by mig (0.03mm) so would this be useful I wonder?

Armour Detail Sets OrangeHobby 1:35 OrangeHobby are producing a fine selection of detail sets and their ever increasing range appears to have something for every 1:35 armour modeller. The five sets reviewed here are some of their newest and include aerials, machine gun barrels and even hydraulic actuators. [G35-118-36] The first set contains a replacement 20mm cannon barrel for the Meng AMX-30B2 and consists of a simple drop in replacement for the kit part. The main barrel is turned complete with the prominent recoil spring and really does look the part. Once the separate muzzle brake is attached, complete with the drilled holes, it will make a great addition to the kit. [G35-119-48] This set contains a selection of German aerials, four long and two short and come complete with four turned brass parts that represent the rubber mounts. There appears to be a slight amount of flash on the bottom of some of the aerials which will need to be nipped off before use. The mounts are simply glued into position on the particular aerial the attached to the model via a pre drilled 0.5mm hole. As with most metal aerials these are very sharp, and care should be taken when displaying the model as anyone getting too close a look could take their eye out. [G35-120-58] This set is very similar to the previous set, only it provides a set of aerials as used on modern Russian vehicles. There are four long and two short aerials contained in the poly bag along with the two part aerial mounts. The mounts are assembled, after which they just slip on to the base of the aerial and added to the model. Unlike the German set, these aerials are completely flash free and can be used straight out of the pack. The general warning about using these aerials is as per the above set. [G35-128-58] This set provides a replacement barrel and fittings for any kits version of the NSV 12.7mm heavy machine gun, both tripod mounted, and in the AA role as fitted to tanks like the T-72, T-64 and T-80. The kit parts will need to be modified to allow the fitting of the turned brass barrel and recuperator, plus the etched nickel straps, sights and clamps. If the modification is done correctly it will make a world of difference to the standard parts found in most kits. [G35-134-48] This final set is designed to replace the pistons and actuators in the Meng D9R “Doobi” armoured bulldozer. The clever part of this set is that the turned alluminium parts are then moulded into the resin fixture rings, making them direct replacements without the need to cut or modify the existing kit parts, although the resin sections do require a bit of a clean up. The two long turned alluminium parts are again direct replacement for the kit parts and slide into the kit fittings. Overall these parts will not only give extra strength to the completed model but the metal will not need to be painted, only weathered. Conclusion Although these sets provide a varied selection of parts, it does show that OH aren’t just trying not to copy what a lot of other companies are releasing. The quality of the parts is very high and what with the ease of use, they should be able to be used by all but the most novice of modellers. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Orange Hobby.com