Master Details 1/32
Messerschmitt Bf 109G Maximum Detail Set

Master Details has updated their fourth release, the detailed update for Hasegawa's 1/32 Bf 109G kit. This 'Maximum Detail Set' takes the nice work provided by Hasegawa to the next level in accuracy. This set compliments the Cockpit Interior Set (reviewed here), Detailed Flap Set (reviewed here) and Landing Gear Set (reviewed here).

This set consists of replacement wheel well liners, landing gear retraction arms, detailed gear doors, replacement main gear wheels and with nicely cast tires, a new tail wheel, new VDM-9-12087 propeller blades with the visible hub detailing, a new hollow-cast prop spinner and backplate, replacement exhaust stacks with hollow ducts, a starter crank, turbocharger intake, replacement MG 17 and MG 131 gun barrels, a highly detailed rendition of the centerline stores pylon/release mechanism, and two styles of external centerline drop tanks.

Since the initial release of this detail set, Master Details has shifted some of the smaller parts from resin to white metal. A few of the resin parts have been revised as well including the design of the wheel well inserts and (unfortunately) the division of both drop tanks into halves.

The instructions clearly show where everything goes and are nicely rendered. The quality of the castings in my set is nice - no air bubbles or other problems that would add more work to the job. With the exception of the wheel wells, these parts are literally drop-in replacements for kit parts (or in addition to the kit parts).

In the case of the wheel wheels, you simply file away anything inside the wing around the wheel wells and drop the new resin parts into place.

As always, working with resin parts is not very different from styrene except that you can only really use cyanoacrylate adhesives to assemble resin parts or to add them to styrene assemblies.

This set will really set off the Hasegawa 1/32 Gustav kit, and when combined with Master Details' other sets, will help you create a masterpiece.

Definitely recommended!

My sincere thanks to Master Details (http://www.masterdetailsfromusa.com) for this review sample!