INTRO

Have you ever wanted to build a subject so much that you do hours of research, make phone calls and send a dozen emails trying to find that model? Yeah, you know where this going. Yes... finally the reply came that my supplier was willing to get one in for me. Needless to say I was excited when it arrived and opened the cool looking box right away. Then the bubbles began to burst over and over. "I paid sixty odd bucks for this (insert expletive)?!?!" said I with drooping shoulders. There's no way I'll go into detail about the Heller Constellation, but the most expensive part of the whole thing is the box... we'll just leave it at that.

Plus Model to the rescue!

"Plus Model was established in 1990 in the Czech Republic. Our product range is comprised primarily of 1/35th scale resin kits, conversion sets, and accessories which are vacuum cast from polyurethane plastic." ~PM~

They also offer a wide variety of interesting products in other scales. The Correct Engine Set for the C121 Constellation is a must for this 1/72 replica. My personal example was the TWO propeller blades that were missing and sealed in the bag like that! Thankfully, the thin resin from Plus Model will definitely liven up your kit and it's great to have a blade jig to make assembly easier. Also, should you choose to add more realism they've kindly included a small decal sheet.

The spinner and hub are even correct for those wanting to make a replica of the Presidential "Columbine" aircraft. The photo etched parts add that extra bit of needed detail and the separate cowl flaps really bring things to life. The cowls themselves need some of the usual clean-up yet I'd caution anyone about adding rivets holes to the material.

Now you're asking, where are the engines in the "correct engine set"? This is something I'll speak to them about since it was perhaps a mislabeled oversight. That aside, there is very little to see behind the front bezels and props. Yet for those needing to have that extra level of realism Plus Model make a 1/72 version of the Wright R-3350 turbo compound engine for around $15 to $20 dollars each. There's a picture of this amazing looking engine on the www.modelchoice.net site where you can make a purchase as well.

CONCLUSION

For what's in the box you can not beat this! After all you get 4 correct cowls, all the separate cowl flaps, 4 highly detailed props and a jig to remove a huge amount of frustration in the build. "PLUS" all this for under fifty bucks! Money smartly spent I think. Please look for my future build of the Heller kit with this great addition along with others.

Special thanks to Plus Model for sending the sample for review and www.sunwardhobbies.ca for going to the extra effort in getting me the plastic model.

When you're inquiring about this product please mention you saw a review on KitMaker Network AeroScale magazine thank you.