...using our sets in the Hobby Boss F-14 (48th). This is good stuff....

These are the original Spine and Wing Box sets that were designed for the Hasegawa kits. The Spine set has since been updated and redesigned to fit the Tamiya kits, and to this has been added the new Avionic Bays set. A new Wing Box set will be coming to fit the Tamiya kits as well.

We are in the process of making a switch to 3D printed parts. In some cases, this can be construed as unnecessary with respect to cast resin equivalents, but in others, the switch carries major benefits. In developing the F-4 sets, a one-piece main wheel well was very difficult to remove from its casting block. As a 3D print, this became virtually effortless. So, the switch is on, representing a minor time delay in release. The first kit, covering the F-4E from SWS, should be out by the end of August. This will be followed on a monthly basis by the F-4J/S and F-4C/D, and the F-4B (TAM)....not necessarily in that order.

The new F-4E set should contain 8 HybridCAST parts (with metal oleos and retraction pistons), ten cast resin parts, 26 3D printed parts, and a clear printed item, for a grand total of 45 components. but that depends on the success (both physical and economical) of the prints. See the illustration below of the Parts Index. The price of the set is looking like around $59.99US, and we would like to know your view on that price point for what you get, so, please, let us know. We know that the lower the better, but would you consider the price fair?

Also in progress is design work on F-16 landing gear sets and wheel wells, covering the Hasegawa and Tamiya kits, and will include Light Weight and Heavy Weight gear versions, as well as the different intakes.

Finally, the P-51 set is being brought up to our current standards. It's been better detailed, and the advantage of 3D printing (as opposed to casting) is being integrated in a major way that will be greatly appreciated by modellers. The advantage will be very noticeable in the torque links and their application, and the main gear covers and in the way they are attached to the landing gear struts. Also, a full wheel well will now be included.