Scale: 1/32

Parts: 1 resin

Instructions: 1 page with photos and text

Decals: N/A

Molding Quality: 8 - very good, though some of the small details were partially eroded

Detail: 9 - what needs to be there, is

Accuracy: 9+ - looks spot on

MSRP: $4.00 USD (~$6.67 CAN/ € 4.04 EUR ) available from Moonbase Models

Overall Rating: 8 - worth the price, but assembly will be tricky.

The latest addition to the line is from Moonbase Models: a one-piece panel to replace the inaccurate rear engine deck. Cast in a smooth white resin, my sample exhibited no major flaws, though the very thin edges of a couple of the "hexnut" details near the center had eroded. This was probably the result of getting banged around during shipping - they are very fine edges, to be sure. Anyway, it's not really a problem as a coat of paint will smooth it all out.

From a foot a way, it's hard to tell any difference between the replacement part and the kit's. However, once you look closely, you can see that the piping is different, as are the "fasteners" (don't know what else to call the details - they look like hexnuts and such to me). All the resin details are much more distinct than their styrene counterparts. Comparing the resin to available refernce images, it looks spot on - Moonbase appears to have done their homework.

Removing the piece from it's backing is simply the matter of a minute with a hobby knife. A little bit of work with sandpaper will get a perfect fit between the engine exhausts. The tricky part will be removing the plastic detail. Moonbase's instructions offer two courses of action for doing this, but neither is without risk. What needs to happen is that the detail between the burner cans be removed, and the whole thing trimmed so that resin piece sits marginally farther back from the edge of the burners than the original details did (the directions give the exact amount).

The resin piece is well cast and definitely worth the price. If you're a detail fanatic and want your Viper as close to perfectly accurate as possible, this one additional aftermarket set is a "must-have". If, however, you are uncertain of your surgery skills, or are content with "close enough", then this is overkill. Personally, I'll be getting one each for the rest of my Viper squadron..

Recommended for those with experience modifying kits.