1/32 F-105B CONVERSION

1/32 F-105B THUNDERBIRDS DECALS AND MASKS

1/32 F-105 RUDDER CORRECTION SET

1/32 F-105 VENTRAL STRAKE CORRECTION

1/32 CURTISS HAWK 75 CONVERSION SET

1/32 CURTISS HAWK DECALS AND MASKS

kit numbers - see below

Reviewed By Ed Kinney, #2989

I feel that a few kind words about Dave and his company are needed here.  Years ago, when Dave first started offering conversion parts and otherwise difficult to obtain modeling accessories, I thought, as I am sure many others did, that what we had here was just another “cottage industry” provider.  One of the conversion sets (I can’t remember now exactly which one) particularly stirred my fancy, so I thought “why not take a chance?”  I must state that I was duly impressed with the quality when it arrived and I have been a satisfied customer ever since.  These good folks have set the standard for aftermarket suppliers to our hobby, and are truly batting near 1000 in terms of satisfaction in my case.  They offer one of the most complete lines of products in existence and, as new releases come available, they just seem to get better and better.  If you haven’t had the pleasure of doing business with Meteor Productions, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.  Visit their web site at  www.meteorprod.com.  You’ll be astounded at the number of products available for the serious modeler.

I guess the best approach is to take these releases in the order they were received:

CUTTING EDGE - CEC32151 - 1/32nd HAWK 75 CONVERSION SET - $59.99

This set is engineered for the Trumpeter P-40B, to convert it to the Hawk 75 (There is also a set available for the P-36). First impression upon opening the box is WOW!  In  addition to multiple beautifully cast resin parts (no pin holes, no air bubbles!), you’ll find an injection molded complete engine (Williams Brothers) for installation in the resin replacement cowling.  Also included are clear cast resin replacements for the windscreen and rear windows (see images)

A detailed set of written and photo instructions is included.  (In view of the fact that the Trumpeter P-40B has already been reviewed, this build article will consist of the installation of the conversion parts and completed with images of the finished products).

CUTTING EDGE - CED32064 - DECAL SHEET FOR THE HAWK, PART 2 - $14.99

Markings include 4 very colorful aircraft, all French markings including the brightly finished Hawk 75 A-3 flown by George LeMare, GC 1/29 2 Esc with its red and yellow alternate striped cowling and tail surfaces.  This offering also includes pre-cut Black Magic Masks for the striping.  Any of these markings will look great on the completed model.  Build details to follow!

1/32 F-105 DETAILING SETS (see images):

CUTTING EDGE - CEC32154 – F-105D-F CORRECTION SET - $19.99

Contains corrected ventral strake needed to replace the inaccurately shaped one from Trumpeter.

CUTTING EDGE - CEC32150 – F-105 RUDDER CORRECTION - $23.99

Replaces Trumpeter kit part.  Includes separate rudder and intake. Very nicely cast, and far more accurate.

CUTTING EDGE - CEC32171 – F-105B CONVERSION SET - $23.99

Includes the “B” nose and a portion of the forward fuselage to perform the necessary surgery to convert the “D” back to an accurate “B” model.  Detailed written and photo instructions are included.

CUTTING EDGE - CED32074 – F-105B THUNDERBIRD MARKING - $22.99

All I can say is WOW!  Wow again.  These are some of the most beautifully printed decals that give the modeler everything he needs to complete an outstanding replica of the highly polished T-Birds 105s of the 1964 season.       (Both preseason and final scheme markings are included.  All decals necessary to replicate this beautiful aircraft are included, but you must see the gorgeous set of National Flags printed in full color on a separate sheet.  They are nothing short of Magnificent!

If you are familiar with these particular aircraft, the T-Bird motif is carried through o the bottom of the fuselage and wings.  It would be next to impossible to make a set of decals to conform to all of these complex surfaces, so…Black Magic Precut Masks to the rescue… 7 of them!  It’s the only way I can see to do the paint job justice and I’m looking forward to seeing this one completed.  A full conversion article will follow, showing the surgery performed and the masking process through to a conclusion with a liberal application of Alclad II followed by these “drop dead gorgeous” decals.

LATE NEWS!  Meteor has just announced yet another step toward an accurate the F-105.  A clear cast “open canopy set”!  Can’t wait to see it, because the kit needs considerable help in this area.

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