Zactomodels 1/144 F-15 Details First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Zactomodels is a small aftermarket company that does some of the most incredible engineering and casting to correct or convert selected beloved subjects. This time around I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened the package. This is their first detail set for a 1/144 scale kit and I misplaced the set twice since I'm not used to seeing such small detail sets out of a detail company that normally produces 1/32 scale works of art. Nevertheless we have a detail set for the Revell/Germany 1/144 F-15E kit which addresses two of the detail shortfalls in that kit. Click on the image below for a larger view.

This set replaces the generic afterburner cans with the signature look of the F100-powered nozzle without the turkey feathers that were originally used on the exterior of the nozzle for airflow streamlining. These disappeared many years ago and here we have a pair of resin replacements with the nozzle details on the inside and the push-rod actuators on the outside. While the kit's ACES II seats aren't bad, they lack seat belts and shoulder attachments as well as the pull handle actuators. These replacement seats provide those missing details that will be visible under that large canopy.

You'll also note the two tan resin parts, these are a pylon and ALQ-131 ECM pod which you can use with the rest of this set to convert your F-15E into a JASDF F-15DJ. Nice touch!

This is another nice enhancement from Zactomodels and will definitely enhance your next Revell 1/144 Mudhen project.

You can learn more about this and other project from the Zactomodels website at http://www.zactomodels.com.

My sincere thanks to Zactomodels for this review sample!