Among the latest releases from Roy Sutherland in his BarracudaCast range are resin replacement wheels for Hawker Hurricane kits in 1:32, 1:48 and 1:72.
Each set comes identically packed in a zip-lock bag on a card backing with a set of generic instructions.
Generic instructions? How can that be right across three scales? Well, almost incredibly, the 1:72 wheels boast the same level of superb detail as their 1:32 "big brothers"! The hub detail is beautifully reproduced, with separate lugs that locked the wheels when they were retracted, and there is makers' text on the tyre sidewalls - perfectly legible with a strong magnifier even in 1:72. Quite phenomenal!
As with everything I've seen from Barracuda Studios, the casting is flawless throughout, and preparation for use will be quite straightforward. The main casting points form a flat spot under each wheel to neatly suggest the weight of the full-sized Hurricane. The holes in the uplock lugs are flashed over, so a sharply pointed fine needle file will be ideal to open them up in the larger scale sets, where the extra time spent will really show. A spare lug is included in 1:32 and 1:48, and two spares in 1:72 - which is a thoughtful touch in case you lose or damage one.
The instructions are well produced, with clearly written text and colour photos highlighting what is waste resin, and showing how to set the correct angle for the uplock lugs, plus the wheels themselves when viewed from the front.
Roy's BarracudaCast wheel sets are priced as follows and available now from Barracuda Studios:
If anyone heard a loud thud earlier, it was probably the sound of my jaw hitting the floor when I looked at the 1:72 wheels under a magnifier and read the name "Dunlop" quite clearly! Barracuda Studios's Hawker Hurricane wheels are simply superb - beautifully designed and produced, and will augment any kit of the aircraft in the three featured scales. They are well priced for the level of detail they offer and straightforward enough to install for even newcomers to working to resin to buy them with confidence. Highly recommended.
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE
SUMMARY
Highs: Superbly detailed in each scale. Straightforward to install. Clear instructions.Lows: None noted.Verdict: These state of the art resin sets underline just why Barracuda Studios are deservedly rated among the best producers in the world.
Our Thanks to Barracuda Studios! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Rowan Baylis (Merlin) FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM
I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...
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