Czech firm Plus Model has released two sets of 1/48 wheels for the B-26 bomber, along with 1/48 Mosquito aircrew and a 1/32 F-86 ‘jockey’.
Plus Model’s latest aftermarket items have plenty of appeal for aircraft modellers working in 1/48 and/or 1/32 scales. Obviously produced with ICM’s forthcoming 1/48 Martin B-26 Marauder in mind, but also suitable for Monogram kits, Plus Model now offers two different styles of wheels for the type. Set AL4024 (above) provides beautifully detailed cast-resin mainwheels with tyres in situ, these having later grooved circumferential tread. A separate nosewheel with one half of the hub cast individually is also supplied.
Available too is set AL409 (above), which offers late main/nosewheels in the same format, but these have diamond tread, while the nosewheel tyre features a block tread pattern. Each pack comes with pre-cut, self-adhesive hub paint masks made from gloss-coated paper. Each set costs €9.68.
If you like to have pilot figures with your aircraft builds – whether it’s on a simple base or as part of a busy diorama – Plus Model also has two interesting new items. The first, AL3013 (above), is a superb 1/32 F-86 Sabre pilot in a kneeling stance, flying helmet perched on his knee. The detail is splendid, there being a full parachute pack and life-preserver, plus G-trousers with knee cut-outs. A wry smile is evident on the pilot’s face, perhaps harking to an aerial victory during the Korean War? It’s ideal if you’re completing F-86s by Hasegawa, Kinetic or Kitty Hawk and costs €18.03.
Read a review of Plus Model's 1/72 Martin T4M biplane kits
Lastly, set AL4101 (above) arguably has even more appeal, comprising two RAF aircrew for a 1/48 Mosquito. The standing figure is a sergeant but also supplied is an officer seated in a chair. This is well executed and appears to be of the Lloyd Loom variety, with closely interwoven strands… and a well-rendered buttoned cushion. Both aircrew wear standard RAF uniform and ‘Mae West’ lifejackets, the sergeant sporting a forage cap while the officer I sand headgear. Both are splendid replicas and demand careful /shading to get the most from them. This set costs €14.28.
All these items are available direct from Plus Model, but should also be with Hannants in the UK soon.
