Master-Models Aircraft Accessories. 1:48

[Shar2]

Gun Barrels and Static Wicks
1:48 Master

This months releases from Master Models include these six sets for 1:48 scale aircraft. Four of the sets are the more usual replacement barrels, but there are two sets that contain the important, but rarely thought about static discharge wicks, for those modellers for whom detail is everything.

[AM-48-110] – This set contains two turned brass 20mm cannon and two resin fairings, which are designed for use with the Airfix Spitfire Vb. The resin parts fit straight into the slot provided in the kits wing leading edges, after which the barrels can be glued into the fairings. No cutting required, other than removing them from their moulding block, although I imagine, but could be wrong, that a little fettling will be needed to fair the resin parts into the wing.

[AM-48-111] – Designed for the Tamiya Mk.II/Mk.VI Mosquito, this set contains four replacement machine gun barrels, complete with separate perforated cooling jacket and four 20mm cannon muzzles which require the kit parts to be removed before these can be attached. The set also includes a replacement pitot probe for the fin.

[AM-48-112] – Rather unusually, this set doesn’t contain machine gun or cannon barrels. Instead it contains sixteen static discharge wicks, as used by the F-16. Naturally they can be used on any model of the Fighting Falcon in this scale, and whilst extremely small, could be the icing on the cake when it comes to making a really detailed model.

[AM-48-113] – As with the set above, this set also contains static discharge wicks. Only this time they are for Russian aircraft, and whilst it states they are for use on modern Russian Sukhoi jets, they could probably be used on most Russian jets, although they are of a rather unusual design, so best check your references before use. They are even smaller than the wicks in the F-16 set, so don’t forget your finest tweezers and a optivisor type device, as you’re going to need them.

[AM-48-114] – Back to sets containing barrels, this set is for any P-38 Lightning. The set contains the early armament 0.5” barrels, with separate perforated cooling jackets, plus early and late 20mm cannon muzzles.

[AM-48-115] – Also for the P-38, this time though these barrels are for a specific type, the P-38M and contains replacement 0.5” machine gun barrels, plus 20mm cannon muzzle, each complete with conical flash hiders.

Conclusion
Master Models just seem to be able to churn these sets out, but still keep the quality we have come to expect from them. The addition of the static discharge wicks add another dimension to the detail of a model and are usually left off most kits. Did I say how small these parts are? They are so small, my, fairly decent camera and lens couldn’t focus on them properly, as such the photos of the wick sets are of the 1:32 items, though the shapes are very much the same. Very highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

[lesthegringo]

Great review, thanks!

Unfortunately too late for my Tamiya Mossie though, looks like they would have really been the business. Do the instructions depict details of how to attach them or are they leaving it to the modeller to work it out?

Les

[Shar2]

It's pretty much to the modeller, but just drill out the required hole and add a dab of CA or epoxy should to the trick.

[lesthegringo]

Thanks. Was toying with the idea of a retrofit, but I'm not confident enough of my skills. I'd probably end up ruining the model

Les

[AndyC]

Nice review Dave - I'm a massive fan of this company's products

[IGKent]

Only this time they are for Russian aircraft, and whilst it states they are for use on modern Russian Sukhoi jets, they could probably be used on most Russian jets, although they are of a rather unusual design, so best check your references before use. They are even smaller than the wicks in the F-16 set, so don’t forget your finest tweezers and a optivisor type device, as you’re going to need them.

I would say ..... not very similar.

[lesthegringo]

Just checking, is that picture of a Sukhoi or a MiG? I know Master do a separate set for each type

Les