Fred Wilms

IPMS Number
42113

Reviews By Author

Kitset contents and packaging

EA-6B Undercarriage

Published:
Company: Eduard

Construction

This kit contains 56 photo etched parts. There were 3 extra parts, namely an extra hold down shackle.

The photo etched parts were in perfect condition. These details were used in the 3 wheel well areas. They all fit well except one area. A notch was made in one corner item -- as shown in the photo. The area modified was in the main landing gear tie into the deck. The instructions were good, except for where the extra hold down was located. A bend brake tool would be helpful.

Comments

This kit is recommended for the experienced modeler, due to the numerous tiny parts.

Conclusion

I wish to thank Eduard & IPMS for allowing me to review this aftermarket kit.

Kitset package and contents

EA-6B Electronic Equipment

Published:
Company: Eduard

Construction

This kit contains two photo etched sheets with 33 parts. The photo etched parts were in perfect condition. The details were used in the aft electronics bay. The unit folds down and is called the birdcage. This unit will be placed in the down position. The assembly is straight forward and fairly simple to assemble. I did not use the bend brake for this project.

Comments

This kit can be assembled by any good modeler. Skill level is medium in my opinion. There are several miniature parts.

Conclusion

I wish to thank Eduard and IPMS/USA for allowing me to review this aftermarket kit.

Package and contents

E-2C 2000 Hawkeye Cockpit Interior

Published:
Company: Eduard

Construction

Edward has produced an E-2C Hawkeye photo-etched cockpit installation and seat detail system, pre-finished and with adhesive backing. Photo-etched parts were in perfect condition. The instructions were excellent for the most part, but I believe they forgot to show where the face air outlets (eye balls) and fire warning instrument system were located. Per my research, I placed it below the overhead eyebrow. The parts were easy to install. Make sure the instruments, control pedestal and side consoles are filed flat, removing the instruments molded in the details before adding the new panels. A word of caution: some patience is required when installing the throttle, flap, and steering controls, as they contain many tiny parts.

Comments… more

Box Art

Fieseler Fi 156C Storch 'Gran Sasso'

Published:
Company: Hasegawa

History: The Fieseler Fi 156 is a fabric and steel tube constructed 3 place liaison aircraft. It is noted for its short takeoff and landing characteristics used by all the German forces. It’s primarily used by German upper echelon personnel including Hitler himself. It also played a major role in a daring rescue of the imprisoned Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.First produced in 1939 the type remained in production throughout WWII. The total production was around 1549 aircraft. During the winter months, it was fitted with skis. It was also produced after the war by France and Czechoslovakia.

It had a crew of 2/3; empty weight 930 kg; maximum speed 175 km/h; minimum speed 51 km/h and a range 385 km. Power was provided by an Argus AS-10C inverted V8, (air-… more

Box Art

Ju88a-4 Bomber + Luftwaffe Ground Crew

Published:
Company: Dragon Models

Editor's note: This kit is from Dragon's Cyberhobby line.

HISTORY:The JU88 can be considered Germany’s equivalent to the British Mosquito. Production of the JU88 family totaled about 1,500 aircraft. The bomber first flew in December 1936. The aircraft had several engine variations, from water-cooled to air-cooled radials. Its top air speed was 292 mph, operational ceiling of 26,900 feet, with a crew of four.

KIT:The kit is made up of injection molded gray plastic parts. The parts were well detailed and in excellent condition.

CONSTRUCTION:I started with detailing the cockpit, adding detailed seats, control stick, control pedals, and radio gear. The cockpit details were then incorporated into the fuselage,… more

Box Art

Hawker MK1B Typhoon

Published:
Company: Revell

History

The Hawker MK1B Typhoon is a British made aircraft and one of the most formidable used in WWII. It was used as a bomber/interceptor and also as a ground support aircraft. Top speed of this aircraft was 417 mph. and it could climb to 20,000 ft. in 7.6 min.

The Kit

The kit is made up of injection molded gray plastic parts. The details were excellent with minimal flash and no defects.

In construction, I started with the cockpit, adding details and painting the interior portion. Prior to assembling the wing halves, the wheel well areas were painted. After assembling the fuselage and wing halves, I proceeded to put the completed fuselage, wing and tail surfaces together.

Finish

The paint used is Model Masters Enamel and Acrylics… more

Italeri Panzerwerfer 42 Boxart

Panzerwerfer 42 auf Maultier

Published:
Company: Italeri

History

The use of multiple rocket launchers by the German armed forces during WWII was quite extensive. The mobile version of a 150mm rocket launcher type 42 was mounted on a half track Sd Kfz 4 Maultier. It guaranteed a high mobility, especially in off-road conditions.

The Kit

The kit is made up of injection molded gray plastic parts. The details were in excellent condition, there was minimal flashing, and no defects. Some injection molded marks were visible.

In construction, I started with the base or bottom of the cabin, adding seats, shifter, steering wheel and column, as well as the rocket pod cases. The next step was on the upper cabin, adding window guards and motor air hoods. At this time, I painted the interior (off white), also adding a… more

Box Art

German Sd.Kfz. 251 Engine

Published:
Company: Great Wall Hobby

Kit

The kit is made up of injection molded gray plastic parts. All the parts were numbered and bagged, matching the corresponding numbers on the assembly instructions located on the back of the box. The details were in excellent condition, with no defects. Minimal or no flashing on the details and a small sheet of brass etched details.

Engine Specifications

  • Engine Type: Maybach HL42 Tukrm
  • Cylinders: 6
  • Bore & Stroke: 90 x 110 mm
  • Displacement: 4170 cc
  • Power: 100 hp at 3000 rpm
  • Compression: 1:6.6
  • Carburetor: 1 off-road two-step
  • Cooling: Exchangeable cylinder case and water pump
  • Battery: 12 volt, 75 amp/ hour
  • Generator: 130 watt

Construction… more