Quickboost - 1/48 40 mm cannon barrels for Hurricane MkIID

Product Review
Reviewer: Pablo Bauleo

Manufacturer: Quickboost

Product: QB 48255 1/48 40 mm Cannon Barrels Hurricane Mk IID
MSRP: 3.30 Euro from http://www.quickboost.net
The 40 mm cannon are a high visibility part in a Hurricane MkII.D and Quickboost has produced another "quick" way to "boost" your model, by producing a seam-free, flash-free reproduction of the 40 mm cannon for the tank-buster hurricane.

The cannons are perfectly casted in grey resin, with a bubble-free, smooth finish. The molding cast includes two side "walls" to prevent accidental damage of the parts while in transit or storage. Removal of the parts should be easy, with either a hobby saw or even by scoring with a #11 blade if you take your time.

Pictures are shown of the plastic injection molded cannons from Hasegawa and the nicely detailed resin version from Quickboost, side by side. By comparing the parts I've noticed that the Quickboost ones are slightly larger in diameter (by 0.1 mm) and about 1.5 mm longer. I do not know which manufacturer got it closer to scale.

The cannon barrels ends are hollow and dead centered. They look much better than I could have ever made the plastic parts look, by using a hand-drill and a drill bit. To attach the resin cannons, you will have to do some minor surgery to the original parts, as Hasegawa has molded the cannons as one piece together with the underwing fairings.

Quickboost has delivered another little gem, and these cannons are going to look excellent in your finished model. You can order these resin cannons from www.quickboost.net. Let them know that you've seen a review of their products in the IPMS website.

I would like to thank Quickboost for providing the review sample and IPMS for the chance to review it.

How to remove Bare Metal Foil residue

     Some modelers use Bare Metal Foil to mask their clear parts, especially aircraft canopies. While the product lends itself very well to this application, one downside is that it leaves an adhesive residue behind when the foil is pulled off. The modeler is then left with the problem of how to remove the residue.
    Two products that work well to remove this residue are a citrus based cleaner called Goo-Gone, and the old garage standby WD-40. Simply dip a cotton swab in either product until just lightly soaked, then wipe away the adhesive residue. You can follow up with a dry swab to remove excess cleaner. I used WD-40 for my application, and found it worked well. I had no problems with the WD-40 taking off the Future coat or the acrylic paint on the canopy frames. Next time you're working with Bare Metal Foil, keep this quick tip in mind!

--Chris

Revell's 1/48 F/A-18E Super Hornet: WIP Report 7/15/13

     I was finally able to find some time to get back on this bird, and it was time for decals. After applying a couple of coats of Future with the airbrush, I went to work. Revell, let me say this to you now: whoever did your decals for this kit really screwed up. I found a host of inaccuracies and even omissions from the decal sheet. Based on reference pictures AND a substitute sheet of markings from TwoBobs, Revell's decal sheet was very disappointing. The elevon "No Step" markings were the wrong shape. Other warnings were the wrong color or instructions placed them in incorrect locations. They are adequate for a beginning modeler, at best.
    After two 2hr sessions, I have about 3/4 of the plane completely marked, mostly with the TwoBobs markings for a bird from VF-31. I'll try to finish up tonight. Then after a day to dry, we'll be going together with all the fiddly bits such as undercarriage, weapons, and canopies. Here's a teaser pic:

--Chris