The latest MasterCasters resin wheels provide ideal replacements for the vinyl tyres in large-scale kits of two archetypal British subjects - one that's been available for a few months, and the second due for release imminently.

1:32 BAe / E.E. Lightning - £ 6.95

Sets MST32038 "Early Type" and MST039 "Late Type" provide crisply cast weighted wheels for Trumpeter's Lightning. Each set includes nose and main-wheels. The nose-wheel is cast as one piece with excellent hub detail and a subtle bulge for the weighted "flat-spot". The main-wheels feature separate hubs to allow a hollow look and different style collars around the axles - the Early type features a raised ring, while the Late type has recessed bolts. Again the weighting is nice and subtle - the originals were high pressure tyres, so excessive bulging would be out of place.

By comparison with these resin wheels, sprue shots I've seen of the kit hubs look very simplified and, of course, vinyl tyres aren't every modeller's cup of tea.

1:24 DeHavilland Mosquito - £6.99

Set MST24001 is pair of impressive weighted main-wheels for the forthcoming Airfix Mosquito. The first thing that strikes you is the sheer size of the wheels - it's clear that Airfix's Mossie is going to be one big beast! The wheels are very nicely cast with a realistic bulge and good hub and tread detail. Again, these look an excellent alternative for anyone unconvinced by the vinyl tyres in the Airfix kit.

Looking ahead...

Coming soon from MasterCasters will be 1:32 Ki-44 seat and wheels for Hasegawa's kit, Eurofighter wheels for the Revell and Trumpeter kits, and there will be 1:48 wheels and exhausts for the Special Hobby Fulmar.

MasterCasters resin accessories are excellent quality and provide well priced improvements over standard kit parts. Recommended.

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