1/72 & 1/144 Scale Aircraft & Diorama Accessories

Brengun

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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The six sets reviewed here each come in a cellophane bag stapled to a card header. The simpler Cowling Fixtures & PSP sets are without instructions, whereas the other sets have them.

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Accessory Sets:

• Avia B.534 III Series Cockpit Set (for RS Models): I have previously reviewed the RS Models B.534 kits on Hyperscale in May 2010. At the time I commented regarding the interior detail of the three B.534 kits reviewed:”Cockpit interior detail is adequate for the enclosed cockpit version, but perhaps a little sparse for the open cockpit versions. Some PE seatbelts and additional details would have been nice, but their absence is not a major issue.” So in many ways this set addresses what was about my only real and very mild criticism of the RS Models kits. The PE is produced to high standard, and gives good levels of cockpit detail. The other main contribution of the set is in providing the radiator matrix and shutters, as well as the face for the oil cooler. Remaining small details include a gun-sight, bomb-racks (the modeller needs to add plastic rod to these), a step and tail struts. An acetate film is provided for the instruments and windscreen (two copies of each are provided, which is handy for practice). Brengun offers similar sets specifically for the other three series of B.534’s by RS Models. No colour call-outs are provided.

• Cowling Fixtures & Interior Ribs: This set offers a series of different texture and width straps and reinforcing bands. They are very fine and will need some real care when removing from the fret and cleaning up any remaining brass tags. The parts are generic in nature, but super-detailers will no doubt find uses for them as intended, as well I should think in a number of other applications.

• PSP Perforated Steel Plates: A handy aid for diorama builders, although a few packets are likely to be needed as there is only one fret of 11 lengths per pack.

• Step ladders for Hunter & Harrier: Two boarding ladders per pack. These are very delicate items and will need real care removing from the fret and when being folded into shape.

Kit Sets

• Ah.472 Luftwaffe Trailer: This is a very dainty kit indeed with very high levels of detail for the scale. It will be a challenge to construct because of the very fine nature of many parts and their small size, but the results should be quite stunning. The instructions advise to make the axles from wire, and builders may also wish to “glaze” the windows with acetate film salvaged from suitable packaging. No colour call-outs are provided, but doubtless colours varied by operational theatre.

• US Airfield Utility Cart: Two very delicate kits are provided with this set. They look a little less challenging to build than some Brengun sets I’ve seen because the parts are a little larger, although such an assessment is still relative as the parts are small by most modelling standards.

The resin parts are cleanly cast and appear faultless, and the PE is also to a high standard. As the accompanying images from Brengun’s website attest, these kits build into impressive little models.

These are very well produced accessories and kits that are sure to appeal to aircraft and diorama builders in both 1/72 and 1/144 scales. I have to say that as a dedicated 1/72-scale builder that I’m impressed with the level of refinement Brengun has made possible in the much smaller scale.

The benefit to RS Models B.534 of the cockpit set is readily apparent. Uses for the cowling fixtures set are likely to extend beyond just cowlings, but I think cleaning up such thin PE after removal from the fret will be challenging. The PSP will no doubt find a home with diorama builders; whist the minuscule boarding ladders will add some life to 1/144 Hunters and Harriers.

The Luftwaffe Trailer is an excellent little kit with superb levels of scale refinement and detail, and should build into an impressive if tiny model. A lot simpler to make, the US Utility carts are also nice little models ideal for airfield dioramas.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Brengun Models for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2011 by Mark Davies
Page Created 12 July, 2011
Last updated 12 July, 2011

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