One of the clear compromises in Eduard's generally excellent new-tool Hawker Tempest Mk. V Series 1 kit is the way the spinner has been designed. To avoid a complex mould, the angled slots for the propeller blades have been replaced by simple cut-outs. Now Barracuda Studios have released a resin replacement for the original "short" spinner to overcome the problem.

The set arrives in the familiar zip-lock bag with a cardboard header, and comes complete with a small but detailed sheet of instructions. The text is very comprehensive and is accompanied by clear colour photos of each stage.

The upgrade comprises just two parts - the spinner and its back-plate - and is faultlessly cast in the sample set. The new parts directly replace kit parts F4 and F7. The resin pieces are attached to casting blocks and will need careful removal, including snipping out a "runner" from the inside of the spinner. All this is explained very well in the instructions and, so long as you don't rush, the preparation should be pretty straightforward.

The only surgery required to the kit will be to remove the dome on the propeller to accommodate the new resin spinner.

Item #BR48399 is available now direct from Barracuda Studios.

Conclusion

This is another excellent correction set from Barracuda Studios that provides a very worthwhile improvement over the standard kit parts. The problem with Eduard's original spinner is one of those small points that really niggle once you've noticed them, and this resin replacement solves that at a stroke. While the upgrade is very simple terms of the number of parts, newcomers to working with resin should be aware that separating the parts from their casting blocks will require accuracy and patience to avoid damaging them. Experienced modellers will take this in their stride with no difficulty.

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