JayDee

1:32 Fokker E.I and Fokker E.IV Super Detail Sets HGW Catalogue # and price: see article Available from HGW The old saying goes that there are only two certainties in life; death and taxes. However, there is a third and that is an HGW full detail set release for each Wingnut Wings kit release. Unlike the first two certainties, this one is something which we certainly won't complain about here at SP&R. The wonderful and highly innovative Jan Bobek from HGW has sent us the very latest sets for the Fokker E.I and E.IV kits. #132116, Fokker E.I Super Detail Set, 609 Kč #132117, Fokker E.IV Super Detail Set, 644 Kč Unlike some of the Fokker Eindecker types where some changes weren't as apparent as others, the biggest revisions in the airframes could clearly be seen between the first and last in the series. Whilst this sounds obvious, it was made more so by the fact that the E.IV was a seriously major revision in terms of appearance and power-plant. The E.IV retained the same wings as the E.II and E.III, but these were longer in span than the E.I. The E.IV fuselage was also a full bay longer in order to re-establish the centre of gravity, due to the installation of the heavier Oberursel U.III engine. Cockpit changes were also notable between these versions, so please know now that you really do need the specific set for the type you are building. You simply can't 'make do' with whatever you can find. Now, onto each set and what they offer the modeler. Fokker E.I Super Detail Set Each of these sets comprises a number of previous releases, but packaged into HGW's equivalent of Eduard's BIGED sets. This specific release includes the following items: 132536, Fokker E.I seatbelts 132114, Fokker E.I PE set 132118, Oberursel U.0 engine 632022, Fokker E.I mask Looking at the seatbelt sets on both the E.I and E.IV releases, they look identical except for the colour of the fabric parts, which look to be a darker beige on this specific release. They are also labeled differently, despite the similarities between the two. This isn't uncommon for HGW. The textile parts are manufactured from a plasticized micro-fibre textile sheet, and the individual parts are colour printed and laser cut. This means you only have some small tags to remove in order to free the parts. Unlike HGW's earlier sets, you also don't need to worry about the width of these not passing through the buckles due to cutting them too wide. Colour printing is also very neat, and the localized heat from the laser cutting has shaded the edges quite realistically. Whilst there is printed stitching, there is also laser etched stitching which comes out best when you apply a wash. All textile parts have a paper backing which must be peeled off first. A small Eduard-produced PE fret includes the various buckles and clasps requires, all beautifully produced to the high standard you expect from this manufacturer. The instructions card which is ensconced in the rear of the stiff cardboard backed re-sealable wallet, is dead easy to follow, and should give no worries. Use CA or similar to assemble. The PE set incorporates detail from both interior and exterior of the model. Internally, detail is supplied for the internal framework wires/turnbuckles, instrument panel (bezels, wiring and toggle switches), control column firing trigger, and fuel mixture control. A little surgery will be required to fit a number of these parts, but nothing major. Externally, there are PE replacements for the under-fuselage stitching, pylon cable pulley and bracket, and also for the strap which fits to the rear of the engine cowl. Again, a little surgery will be required for some of these additions. HGW have also supplied a PE ammunition belt feed. Consider pepping this up a little with some dilute white glue, so that it doesn't look as flat. PE cable grommets for control wires are also included. A single fret is included for the Oberursel U.0 engine. Looking at this, it looks identical to that given in the E.IV set for the Oberursel U.III, except the latter obviously has two of these due to its dual engine format. The parts included here replace the kit armatures, ignition cables and prop hub. For the armatures, you will need to supplement this with a little plastic rod. Of course, surgery is needed again for this, but in my opinion, it is very much worth the effort. Depending on which prop you use on your specific model, 3 hub options are provided. As this fret is identical to the U.III ones, the ignition wires will need to be trimmed to the correct length for this single rotary unit. Of course, the double U.III would have longer wires to reach to the forward-most rotary section. The masks for this kit are provided on a cleanly cut piece of kabuki masking sheet, and include inner and outer parts for the various windscreen options provided by Wingnut Wings. As is customary with HGW, they have also provided a small sampler of decal, and this time it's wood grain. The printing of this is on a transparent base, meaning you will need to lay down either a white or tinted paint job in order for this to look realistic. The transparency of these does leave a lot of flexibility for the modeler to create his/her own specific tailored finish. The various instruction sheets and cards in these are included in the rear of the packaging. For the PE sets, you'll immediately notice these are produced by Eduard, in their familiar, easy to follow style. Fokker E.IV Super Detail set This set comprises the following individual components: 132537, Fokker E.IV seatbelts 132115, Fokker E.IV PE set 132119, Oberursel U.III engine 632023, Fokker E.IV masks As discussed earlier, the seatbelt and engine parts here are identical, and of course don't need describing again. However, the PE set is subtly different. Apart from the lack of instrument panel in the E.IV, this fret is too almost an identical item, with only perhaps an instrument here and there, plus a bezel for the wing mounted compass. Again, the kabuki mask sheet includes interior and exterior parts for the various windshield options that WNW provides. The decal sheet in this release is again another transparent base item, but has a fabric texture on it. This could be quite useful for overlaying onto a green painted interior. Don't quote me that it would perfectly. I would test a very small piece first. You could perhaps mist some thinned green over it to give it a more suited appearance. Conclusion These sets are pretty much the only game in town when it comes to PE for your WNW kits, and they rarely disappoint. These particular sets don't disappoint in the slightest, and provide some excellent upgraded detail of which I think all parts are worthy of being included in your project. Great news is that none of the parts here are beyond the scope of most modellers either. Very highly recommended James H Our sincere thanks to HGW for the review samples seen here. To buy direct, click the links in the article.

Is Graham sending this one to you Cees?

In a mirror topic to the one we have going about what new model-related stuff we have, how about one for what military relic stuff do you have? This would be rather cool to update as we get new stuff. I'll start the ball rolling with my entire port-side window frame for a Ju 88C-0. This one is from the actual machine on an AIMS decal sheet, so I suppose I should really build it. This one suffered engine failure and belly-landed on a Norwegian mountain side.

Holy crap! What do you use for the worn effect, and how did you produce the tones on the olive drab paint?

Something's wrong here. You're working far faster than normal. SLOW DOWN! I know what a great kit this is, and you're doing it more than enough justice.

Great work. I beat myself up over the swirls, yet you seem to do it effortlessly.

Review coming next week. I can't wait

New Bf 109G-10 decal sheets from Barracuda Studios Barracuda Studios is proud to announce two new decal sets in 1/32nd for the new Revell Erla built Bf-109G-10. The Erla Built Bf 109G-10 is not to be confused with a G-10 fitted with a Erla hood. This variant had a completely unique engine cowling arrangement. The new Revell kit, which is a very nice kit and, for the most part, quite accurate, is the first time this variant has been kitted in injection. Each sheet contains SEVEN varied and interesting schemes for the Erla G-10. Exhaustively research by Anders Hjortsberg with further assistance by other notable 109 experts, these sheets reflect the very latest knowledge on the Erla G-10s. Anders has produced superbly detailed and accurate profiles, and larger versions can be downloaded from the Barracuda Studios website to assist you in recreating the fascinating camouflage schemes. .Extensive and detailed painting notes highlight a number of interesting points about the finish of these very late war Gustavs. For those wanting to know more, there is a link on the sheets to Ander's blog, where much more in-depth discussions of these aircraft can be found. Decals are gorgeously printed by Cartograf, and much effort was put into color matching. Each sheet contains all the specific markings for all seven aircraft, along with 2 full stencil suites and two complete sets of national markings and spinner spirals. BC32144 Erla Bf 109G-10s - Part 1 Bf 109G-10 (Erla built). White 14, Ex II./JG3 aircraft. Flown by Waldemar Wagler, JG51 at Garz, Germany, April 1945 Bf 109G-10 (Erla built). Yellow 6, JGr.300. Pilot Unknown. Neubiberg, Germany. June, 1945. Bf 109G-10 (Erla built). Black 13, JG27(?) Location Unknown, Mid June 1945 Bf 109G-10 (Erla built). Red 5, 2./JG300. Flown by Friedrich-Wilhelm "Timo" Schenk. Borkheide, February 1945 Bf 109G-10 (Erla built). Blue 1, JG301. Pilot Unknown. Base Unknown. Spring, 1945 Bf 109G-10 (Erla built). Black 22, 5./JG52. Pilot and location unknown. Bf 109G-10 (Erla built). No identity markings. Squadron and location unknown. June, 1945 http://barracudacals.com/proddetail.php?prod=BC32144&cat=33 BC32145 Erla Bf 109G-10 - Part 2 Bf 109G-10 (Erla Built). Black 4, JGr.300. Pilot Unknown. Found at Langensalza, Germany. June, 1945 Bf 109G-10 (Erla Built). Green 7, 11./JG300. Prague-Kbely in May 1945 Bf 109G-10 (Erla Built). Black 10, I./JG4. Pilot unknown. Giessen, Germany. June, 1945 Bf 109G-10 (Erla Built). Black Chevron, JGr.300. Pilot unknown. Location unknown. Bf 109G-10 (Erla Built). Yellow 2, KG(J)27. Pilot unknown. Kaufbeuren, Germany. May, 1945, National markings: Small Bf 109G-10 (Erla Built). Yellow 24, 6./JG27. Flown by Staffelkapitän Antonius Wöffen. March 11, 1945. Bf 109K-4 (Erla Built). W.Nr 570375, Unit, pilot and location unknown. http://barracudacals.com/proddetail.php?prod=BC32145&cat=33 These 2 new sheets are up on the website and available for ordering now! 109 fans also note that we now stock the terrific ADH book on building the Revell 109G-6 by Brett Green, with additional models by Marcus nicholls, Chris Wauchop and Roy Sutherland. A nice one stop reference for building the Revell G-6. http://barracudacals.com/proddetail.php?prod=ADH017&cat=9 A number of new resin sets for both the new 1/32 Revell 109G-6 and G-10 are coming shortly. Watch this space for announcements. Happy modelling! Roy

I agree. Any build images too?

Off to a great start! I quite like the TBD from an interior detail aspect, and you proved this could be something I look at in future. Can't wait for next updates. PLEASE post more of your work here too

1:32 Desktop Bf 109F Imcth Catalogue # IMCZ-003 Available from Hobby Link Japan for ¥30,000 This is one we have seriously been waiting to see for what seems like ages, yet it was only a few months ago that Imcth announced they were releasing a Messerschmitt Bf 109F in their amazing 'Desktop' series of all-metal kits. If you've been living under a rock for those last months, check out our reviews of the jaw-dropping Desktop Mustang and Desktop Zero. I do warn you though, prepare to have your wallet seriously dented in the process. Admittedly, these kits aren't cheap, but you are paying for quite a niche item, and one which will never let you see these aircraft in the same way ever again. When you buy something from Imcth, you are getting something which they have obviously poured their heart and soul into. First impressions are everything, and the packing box in which this kit came was also adorned with their 'Desktop Bf 109F' logo, hidden amongst the various address labels and invoice sheets. This study box, once opened, revealed the actual kit box, produced in a glossy white cardboard, with a metallic product sticker on the lid. This rather substantial box is then opened via a large side flap which then lifts the lid to reveal a number of other boxes within. On top, two smaller boxes contain the various white metal parts, wire, vac form canopy etc. These are safely held in situ by a couple of rolls of bubble-wrap around the internal box perimeter. Remove all of these, and underneath is a much larger box, securely fastened with tape, and containing the instruction manual, and various large sheets of stainless steel photo-etch parts. If you've read our previous reviews on the Mustang and Zero kits, you'll know that these aren't simply a flat, two-dimensional affair.....they are actually STAMPED to curve wing panels and fuselage sections! I don't recall seeing any other kit that includes such an innovative idea as this. Whilst we are in this particular box, we'll start to take a look at the various components on these sheets, interspersed with any specific findings on the instruction sheet which might help to colour things in a little for you. Then we'll work onto the white metal parts and other accessories in this release. The PE sheets themselves are quite fragile due to the pre-shaped parts, but thankfully, these are separated from each other with plenty of bubble-wrap. The flat sheets are packaged into a clear sleeve, protected from each other with tissue paper. SHEET A One thing you will notice with these kits is that the stainless steel PE sheets are actually a thicker gauge than you will be used to. This is obviously because it's more to scale with this being a 1:32 model. Whilst I'm explaining this, I will say that there are various parts within this kit, more namely bulkheads, which you will build up from laminated parts in order to achieve the desired thickness, but I digress. This first PE sheet contains wing components, and is laid out so that it is obvious that one half of the sheet is port, and the other starboard. Every wing rib in the 109F's svelte wing is immaculately recreated here, all individually. There are full ribs, sub-ribs to allow for wheel bay placement etc, and also partial ribs where they weren't full depth in the real aircraft. In short, if you could really peel back the skin on one of these iconic fighters, then what you would see, has been beautifully recreated here. This sheet contains the dual upper/lower inboard radiator flaps too, which will actually move on this model, so you can pose them as you wish. The landing flaps are built up from an exterior metal skin and a number of rib-lets, whilst the ailerons start life as a single piece of PE in which you need to twist the various ribs 90 degrees to the upright. As these are still too thin at the leading edge, they will be supplemented with white metal upper and lower frames which will give these parts their aerodynamic shape. Simplicity, but neatly executed. A wing needs spars of course, and this is where you will find them. Wing tips are actually supplied as cast metal parts, and we'll look at those later in the review. These comprehensive wings will eventually be fitted with ammunition, wing slats and slat actuators etc, all from white metal. SHEET B We take a break from the wing at this point and look at a sheet which contains the lion's share of the fuselage parts. All formers are presented here with various notches into which longerons and stringers are inserted. I did mention earlier about laminated formers. You will find these here. These notable go to the front and rear of the cockpit module, and the middle lamination of three is notched to allow the external framework tabs to slide into the recesses cut into the middle lamination. Everything is extremely well thought-out during the design process. This sheet contains those longerons and stringers, as well as various frameworks that exist within the fuselage, and also items such as the sloping plate to the rear of the pilot's head. Whilst we are in that specific region of the aircraft, the cockpit module itself is formed from a single piece of PE which starts at the cockpit wall, bends to form the floor and forward bulkhead, then back on itself to produce the upper framework, extending to the rear cockpit fuselage frame. This clever way of creating the basis onto which every fits, ensures that all the various extra frameworks and internal details should fit perfectly. SHEET C Now we're talking! I mentioned those pre-shaped PE parts, and here you'll most certainly see them in the form of upper and lower wing panels. These contain the caps to the wing ribs and other major wing structural elements. The curvature of the wings is superbly captured here. Apart from the wing panels, spars and ribs are also supplied here for the horizontal stabiliser, as well as a couple of vertical fuselage formers for the construction of the vertical fin. SHEET D This is the last of the PE sheets in this kit, and again it contains pre-shaped parts, namely the fuselage belly, cockpit module side frames, and undercarriage doors. Other parts on here include the elevators and rudder, supplied as per the ailerons with twist ribs and a structure that will be 'bulked' with white metal castings, as well as exhaust plates, nose radiator meshes and a number of other smaller airframe detail, as well as seatbelt buckles. All photo etch is produced to the very highest of standards, with no defect. I'm particularly impressed with the loop tags that Imcth now use to hold the shaped parts on the frets. The previous straight tags could break, meaning a small piece of tape was added to hold the part in place. These looped ones are designed to open up when the fret is stamped into shape. Now, onto the white metal parts. All of these are supplied in grouped bags in one of the smaller boxes. All white metal parts are expertly produced by Model Factory Hiro, who produce some of the very best castings seen in our hobby. There are no horrible pitted textures here, and poor, soft detail as seen on white metal undercarriage legs that we see from a particular manufacturer. These are sharp, smooth and perfect. Nowhere on my sample did I see any parts bent out of shape either. A little clean-up of parts will be required. Some cast parts will have the faintest of mould paring lines that a quick tickle with a fine grade sanding stick, will eradicate. The cloudy appearance of the parts is also only mould release residue, and a polish with a rotary tool will show these parts to be as sharp, if not sharper, than contemporary plastic kit equivalents. E – Propeller Parts This is a simple packet containing just three parts. These are a full piece propeller and boss, and a main spinner with a separate back plate. The propeller locates to the rear spinner plate by means of a cast pin. As with the majority of these white metal parts, you will need to open up most locating holes with a small drill bit, as indicated on the instruction sheet. A hole in the rear plate allows the hub cannon aperture to seat neatly, and the spinner itself falls neatly over the top of everything. You will need to open up the central hole in the spinner as this is cast closed. A little clean-up of the prop edges will be required. F – Engine Parts There are FIFTY-TWO parts which go to produce the Daimler Benz DB 601E engine. That's pretty impressive, as is the design of this area. All parts are split between THREE bags, stapled closed. I would use some cheap zip-lock bags to store the parts, until you come to use them. Of course, you need to check everything to ensure it's all there, and you don't want those parts rolling loose in the box. A very traditional method of assembly is used for the engine, and one that plastic modellers will immediately recognise. What is particularly neat are the cylinder banks. These are supplied as halves, with the cap casing separate. The banks themselves are designed so that the inner half inserts within the outer, meaning there is no horrible and awkward joint line at the front and rear. Another example of how Imcth are evolving their design work. The breakdown of the engine is very traditional, with supercharger intake, engine bearers, oil and glycol tanks, fuel injector block, supercharger induction pipework, ignition conduits, magnetos, hub, prop shaft, and split crankcase. Some parts are supplied on casting blocks with a paired part. These are easily identified as left and right parts with L and R being cast. Even the fragile looking engine bearers are die-straight with no bending. Congrats to Model Factory Hiro for getting this so darn right! G – Main Wing Parts All of the structural elements of the wing that can't be reproduced with PE are here, as well as parts to give the ailerons their correct profile. The latter is achieved by means of adding a half aerofoil section to both upper and lower faces of the flat PE ailerons. This specific group contains TWENTY-THREE parts. Here you will find wing slats, slat actuators, wingtips, radiators and housings, wing ammunition bay, control surface horns, and aileron mass balance etc. H – Cockpit Parts For the detail connoisseur, the cockpit is always a main area of focus, and I think Imcth know that, because this rather detailed and busy group of white metal contains no less than FIFTY parts. In all fairness, not all of them are strictly in the cockpit, but are more concerned with what can only be described as the cockpit module, incorporating the undercarriage unit and forward weapons bay. This kit actually comes with two sets of undercarriage legs; one for deployed, and the other for retracted. You CANNOT change these once you install them, so you need to decide how you will pose your model when complete. Those legs include the bracket/pivot assembly as part of the leg itself, and this is what dictates this move. As it comes, the PE cockpit tub is devoid of any detail except for a number of holes which are used to locate the various white metal components. It's now you really begin to see the level of detail afforded to the modeller. There are THREE bags of white metal included here. These include forward ammunition bulkhead/feed, machine guns, oleo scissors, control column, rudder pedals and rudder pedal spacing bar, foot plate, fuel tank, various instrumentation and avionics units, two part pilot seat, two part trim wheel (to be supplemented with PE), lower fuselage support framework, and instrument panel. That is by no means a comprehensive list, as you'll see from the photo of the parts. The instrument panel is so designed that two colour printed paper inserts fit into a recess from behind to form the dials. On top of this sits a plate depicting the rear instrument area. Those instruments themselves are better than the previous release. The larger panel is very good, but the smaller could do with some Airscale decal magic. I – Tail Parts The TWENTY-FIVE parts included here are concerned with the rear fuselage, right down to, and including, the tail area. Detail in this rear fuselage area isn't often depicted, unless you super-detail using resin aftermarket sets, but here, absolutely everything is included. Here you will find two bags containing compass, radios, compressed gas bottles, choice of retracted or extended tail gear leg, tail fin and stabiliser parts including the elevator and rudder surface profiles, junction boxes and socket plates. All I think could be added as a little extra is some lead wire to wire things up. That's the end of the metal parts. Now we look at the last box in this kit. J – Sheeted Parts & Rubber Parts Vac-form parts are supplied for the canopy. Please don't let that put you off as these are exceptionally clear, and with superb frame line definition. Rubber tyres are provided, but they don't look quite right for a 109. Perhaps these can be replaced with an aftermarket item. For your information, the hubs are separate to the tyres. Some resin parts are supplied for the wingtip lights and gun sight reflector. These are milky in appearance, so I would look at replacing these with clear plastic. The box also contains a fabric material which is for the seatbelts. The parts are pre-cut, but as the sheet is a little thick, I would perhaps use some HGW or RB Productions seatbelts here. As well as the instruments printed sheet, there are two self-adhesive foil sheets which are pre-cut, and contain the canopy framing. These also have laser etched riveting on them. This can be a tricky area, hence the reason you have been supplied with two sheets of parts. Take your time. This sheet also contains gun barrel jackets, designed to be wrapped around wire. Again, I would replace these with barrels from the MASTER series of products. The last remaining parts in this box are some lengths of piano wire and some tubing. Instructions These are about as comprehensive as it can possibly get. Firstly, there are A3 two sheets which contain parts maps and also an explanation as to the different fold styles employed. The assembly drawings have different symbology which refer to things such as 'valley fold', and 'mountain fold', referring to whether parts are to be internally or externally folded. Instructions are also given on how to eradicate any pouring nubs and paring lines on the cast parts. As for the constructional sequences, there are MANY! Whilst this project isn't quite as complex as the Mustang and Zero with regard to airframe (nature of the beast!), it is still a complex model which deserves your time and patience. Construction is broken down into various areas, such as engine, wings etc, as you would imagine, but there are TWENTY-FOUR pages of A4, double-sides diagrams which you need to carefully study, and explain all aspects of that construction, including memos for when you need to fold, drill and file etc. The drawings themselves are actually very clear when you look at them in relation to the parts, and start to mentally visualise the skeletal form of the model. Model Stand My sample was sent with an acrylic stand which simply plugs together. The clear acrylic is protected by paper sheet which needs to be peeled off. Bearing in mind that the narrow undercarriage is white metal, this would probably be a good idea to use, and of course, it's unobtrusive. Conclusion As I just mentioned, the Bf 109F airframe doesn't have the same level of overall complexity as that of the Mustang and Zero, but it is faithfully reproduced here for you in mindboggling detail. You still have a LOT of work to do to complete this model, and the results, from the finished images we have, or staggering. Yes, I would replace the seatbelts, barrels, and the clear resin parts, but that is something and nothing. The wheels and hubs seem simplified too, but there are so many accurate and cheap ones on the market that these can easily be replaced. My only other minor niggle is the lack of weapons tray for the MGs mounted on the upper fuse. This area is faired off with a cowl panel. If you wanted to make something representative here, which I may just do, you'll need to employ a little scratch-building. You may not bother too much about this, and it certainly is no deal breaker for this amazing kit. Where else can you get something which contains all this detail such as fuel tanks etc? Also of note are the wing to fuselage connection points. These employ lugs and pins, as per the real aircraft. The level of detail is simply that good. This is a brand new release, and it just seems that Imcth are getting better and better. If you liked the Mustang and Zero, this will blow you away! VERY highly recommended James H Our sincere thanks to Imcth for this review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

Gorgeous Cees! What did you use for the wash? It still looks a real busy surface despite just being silver. Like it lots

Danny, that's far too clean for a modeller. It's unhealthy NOW...go dirty it up a little. Great looking area though. I wish I could be as organised.

This has been an EPIC in the making What a superb build this has been to follow, and one of the best schemes for the Fok Fok I've seen. You pulled it off magnificently.

Some very useful detail there, even for the HK builders. Thanks for sharing

I place on a rubber mat, and use a fresh scalpel blade and roll it over the tube, applying a little pressure. Eventually it gives, and you get a pretty clean cut. Depends on the material you use too. Works well on brass, copper and Nickel-Silver for me.

That's looking real good. What repairs did you have to make?

This work is superb. Please can EVERYONE who has their own methods of creating this technique, post your hints and tips for us so we can build a catalogue of the best way to achieve this look?

Have you glued the wing to fuse? Would it not have been easier to fit and blend nacelles with the wing by itself? Loving this one. Now, get that Dutch Decals decal set at the ready.

1:32 Bf 109G-6 undercarriage legs BRONZE Eduard Brassin Catalogue # 632021 Available from Eduard for 17,25 € Bunny Fighter Club price: 14,66 € How about a brand new set designed to entirely replace both the kit undercarriage struts and the main gear doors on your Revell Bf 109G-6? This is the very latest in Eduard's Brassin range of products catering to the recent release, so let's take a peek. Presented in Eduard's familiar clear blister packet, this remit of this set is about as simple as it can get, and most certainly easy when it comes to implementing it. Containing just four parts, this is a set for which pretty much any modeller of any still can make use of. Eduard's love affair with white bronze (jeweller's bronze) continues, with this set replacing the 109's undercarriage strut, as a single part, complete with oleo scissor and brake line incorporated. There is also no clean up to do with these are there is no casting block to remove, and the faint mould paring seam is hidden to the rear of the strut, up against where the undercarriage door will fit. The locating lug for inserting to the model is also a part of the leg, as per the original kit part. There's no doubt that these bronze legs are indeed extremely strong. Being jeweller's bronze, they also hold detail amazingly well, unlike some replacement parts we have seen cast from white metal. As said, these parts are designed to be swapped straight out for the kit ones. The undercarriage doors are a massive improvement over the Revell parts, being thinner and having far more detail too. A locating indentation around the wheel axle point is designed to fit the oleo precisely, and is positively located around the top of the strut by means of a bracket. These doors incorporate hydraulic line detail as well as the double skin, pressed interior shell, with raised riveting. Very impressive indeed. Al small casting block will need removing from each gear door via a thin wall of resin, and two overflow tags need to be snipped from the top of each door also. Of course, there are instructions for this set, indicating assembly, and the possibly use of Eduard's Brassin range of wheels instead of the kit parts. A head on view and side view give you an idea of the attitude of the legs when they are installed, despite the kit allowing this to be attained pretty easily anyway. Colour call-outs are given GSI Creos/Mr Hobby paints. Conclusion A simple set which is so beautiful it almost seems a shame to put any paint on them. They aren't too cheap, but the quality is outstanding, and they are a definite improvement over the kit parts. If you add the resin cockpit, engine etc, then perhaps bronze undercarriage legs will be a useful insurance policy over all that added weight! Very highly recommended James H Our sincere thanks to Eduard for the review sample used here. To purchase directly, click this link. Consider joining Eduard's Bunny Fighter Club programme for further discounts on your purchases.

I think I'll use Cees's method to fix my intakes. Will a Vimto can do instead of beer?

Damn, that looks nice!

Nice clean build. I like your style.

Sure is a great review, and always good to see another modeller's perspective too.

1:32 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 cockpit set Aires Catalogue # 2189 Available from Hannants for £15.50 Revell's recent Bf 109G-6 has certainly spawned a whole new wave of aftermarket items to help push this kit to the next level. While I think it's generally accepted that Revell's kit, although offering plenty in terms of detail and option possibilities, isn't absolutely perfect, this hasn't stopped a whole swathe of complicated and involved detail/correction sets being released by the main protagonists in our hobby. On the slab today, we have an entire cockpit replacement set, sent to us by the fine guys at Aires. This release is packaged into a clear blister packet with a card insert slid into this from behind, and the instructions sheet within this. This is stapled through the plastic in order to seal the package. To open, you need to start extracting heavy gauge staples. I much prefer the approach from Eduard with their pop open packets. All resin parts within are backed by soft grey foam so they don't rattle around too much. Above this, a small blister contains a single PE fret. This is sealed into position securely with black card, taped all the way around. Revell neatly designed their kit so that the cockpit walls fit into recesses within the fuselage. This is manna from heaven for the aftermarket companies who champion the modular approach for their cockpit upgrade sets. This means that this set, as with the Eduard one, are designed to be built as a module as per the actual kit parts, and then simply glued into place with minimal fuss, and what appears to be zero surgery for the host kit. Aires have cast this set in their usual creamy, light grey resin, with the three main components being the two fully detailed sidewalls, and a single piece cockpit floor, incorporating the rear and forward bulkheads. This part also includes many details which may normally have been cast as separate parts, including the seat, footboard and rudder pedal mounts. There is a space for where the MK108 cannon breech protrudes into the space between the pilot's knees. There are actually THREE breech options for this cockpit, with each cast separately onto their own blocks. Two notches exist in the floor at each side of the module. This is to allow the sidewalls to properly locate and key into this main part. Detail in this area of the office is superb with sharp bulkhead detail, incorporating wiring, connectors and riveting, and various avionics units on the floor. Of course, there is a casting block to remove, and in the case of this part, it's pretty substantial. The whole of the area underneath the rear seat bulkhead, extending to a 3mm depth plate underneath the cockpit floor, is solid resin. I wouldn't think you would need to remove all of this block, looking at the kit itself, but I think you would need to remove the majority of the resin from beneath the floor. The material to the rear of the pit could be left in situ. Those side walls are simply stunning, and are going to call for a steady hand and a fine brush in order to bring out that detail. You will need to use the kit part for the fuel line with the clear viewing glass though. In all fairness, Revell did a pretty good job of that feature, so it should look just at home here among the superb regulator, switch box and fuse panel detail. Despite most detail being moulded in situ, such as exterior vent and throttle quadrant etc, there are a few areas which will need to be supplemented by the PE parts included in this set. We'll look at those in a moment and see what's included. Casting blocks run along the bottom of the side walls, and be careful you don't cut through the locating tabs at the bottom of these when you saw away those blocks. There aren't too many other resin parts included in this set, apart from the 3 major components and the three MK108 cannon breech options. That's pretty much a testament to how this set is designed and mastered. Other parts included in resin are the control column complete with leather gaiter and wiring, weapons selector panel (optional), two gun sight options, head rest padding, and a handful of other small detail. Again, you will need to use the kit parts when it comes to the armoured head rest plate itself. The instrument panel has partial detail cast onto it, with the remainder of the instruments being complemented by a layered PE approach which includes sandwiching a clearly printed film between the resin and metal parts. You will of course need to add the film to a white-painted background for the instruments to stand out. That film piece also contains the plates for the gun sight options. A full seatbelt set is included on the photo etch fret, which has a bare brass finish. I'm not really a fan of Aires belts, and would much prefer the HGW/Eduard textile belts to these. This fret also includes the rudder trim wheels and chain, rudder pedals, instrument panel sections and bezels, armoured headrest brackets, and a small amount of side wall detail. I can't ever fault the quality of Aires' photo etch parts, apart from those seatbelts, as everything is cleanly manufactured, and are held in place with thin, narrow tags. Conclusion As long as you have a steady hand, and some creative flair in order to get the very best out of the detail cast into this set, then this is one upgrade that could be managed by a newcomer to resin sets. Superbly designed, and extremely busy-looking generally, this is most certainly a definite improvement over the kit parts and will give the wow factor to what is always a key focal point of any large scale model. Resin casting is excellent, with no flaws, and all parts are pretty easy to clean up, prior to assembly. As far as accuracy goes, I have to admit I'm no expert on the Bf 109. Having said that, looking at the limited reference I do have, and with Google being my friend, Aires do seem to have pretty much got this looking correct. This is also a fairly cheap set, even in comparison to the low price of the Revell kit, and it is one you should consider if you like an eye-catching office. Highly recommended James H Our sincere thanks to Aires for the review sample seen here. To purchase directly, click THIS link.