Quickboost

1/48 Bf110 Parts Bf-110 C/D Exhaust and Bf-110 C/D M.G. Drum Mags For any 1/48 Bf-110 C or D

Stock Number: 48-167 and 48-170

Reviewed By  Rod Lees, IPMS# 10821

MSRP: 48-167 $6.95 ....,,,, 48-170 $6.95 www.quickboost.net Both of these items address two extremely minor (but to old guys like me) important issues: Small parts counts. It's the old problem; to mold a detailed wheel well with lines, etc., in place, and count on paint to bring out detail, or to have actual parts which you as a modeler install, then paint to bring out detail. This can be carried (in my mind for the masses like me) to extreme, such as working 1/35th scale .50 cal ammunition belts with links and individual machined cartridge and casing sections. Too much for my poor hands and eyes. They look great on the few who actually can make them work, but that's not my thing. And I'm glad some manufacturers make them, because they add to our hobby's allure; the pursuit of perfection in miniature. But not for me! For this review I used these items on my "Stashed" Eduard BF 110E. My research led me to believe the "E" can easily be backdated to a C/D by leaving off some of the windscreen armor, and using kit parts included with the E. The exhaust stacks appear to be exactly the same, and the MG mags are proper for the weapon included in the kit. I used Superscale's 48-768 "BF-110C Zerstorer" decals (because I liked the Battle of Britain paint scheme) and consider the backdate of the kit correct. Others may have more info, but I'm not competing this model, so it is fine by me. On to the review: On the Exhaust of the Eduard BF 110 kits, the exhaust stacks have indentations for the actual ports; even when using slide-mold technology, the kit exhibits a one of the limitations cutting-edge companies like Eduard must deal with. It is extremely difficult to add depth to these square stacks. In the case of round stacks, drill and install. Square stacks add the fun of using your favorite sharp instrument to square the drilling effort off, if you don't destroy the sidewall in the process. Or try to test your blood type with the #11 blade every five minutes. You also have the joy of installing these individual stacks, one at a time. Since each stack has a different location, and is of different size, shape, etc., you must carefully install 24 individual stacks in their correct order. Not impossible, and certainly very realistic. The Quickboost items address this by providing four banks of stacks, all attached to an extremely thin mounting stub, which allow you to paint, attach, and stand back to admire the work of those stalwart individuals who did the hard work for us. Now, the Drum Mags. "WHY", might whine some? Well, the answer is Eduard's items require you to attach the carry-straps as photoetch items. Perfectly decent in my mind, but the Quickboost magazine drums have a bit more detail, and the mounting strap is attached for you. And they are all mounted on a convenient center pour stub, so you just paint, remove from the stub, and attach to the storage slide rack behind your trusty defensive MG mount on your '110. I found these to be a pleasant detail, with high utility. Assessment: Quickboost items are worth every cent. I enjoy the simplicity and detail they add, and I commend the masters who manufacture these items. They are truly great at what they do, and I cannot stress enough the skill they must have to produce these great add-ons. Combined with the excellence of Eduard kits, Quickboost has potential to make your projects better. And that's what counts. Sincere thanks to Quickboost for the samples, via our IPMS/USA. They are much appreciated, and I look forward to what comes next out of their shops!

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