Paul Mahoney
Reviews By Author
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Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Part 9 DecalsPublished:
Likelike Decals from Japan just released a few new sheets, and this one covers the P-47D Thunderbolt. Having just reviewed the Mustang sheet released at the same time, you will find some similar comments in this review! This is yet another example of Lifelike providing a comprehensive set of contents in a standard Ziploc decal bag. Along with a full color placement guide, there is one full page of decals, printed by Microscale, that contains most of the individual markings and a full set of stencils. There is an additional ½ page, also printed by Microscale, containing at least two sets of national insignia (including the oversized stars and bars common on the underside of both wings of some P-47s). Finally, there is a small third sheet, printed by Cartograf, that contains the… more |
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Scale Model Handbook: Diorama Modelling 1Published:
This is the first in a series of diorama modelling handbooks to be published by Mr. Black Publications (the second has also been released). Mr. Black is a relatively new, European-based company specializing in modeling ‘how-to’ books and modeling-related history books. On their website they also offer a small selection of vignette bases and some pro-built models. This handbook is in the standard European A4 (roughly 8 ½” x 11”) format, and is printed on very high quality, thick matte paper. There are over 400 photos between the covers. The contents comprise of 9 articles, each written by a different author, explaining the construction and detailing of vignette-style dioramas. The emphasis is on figure-related dioramas, and the contents are as follows:
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Il-2 ShturmovikPublished:
Guideline has just added the Ilyushin IL-2 to the list of titles in their “Warpaint” series. The pages of this book are all printed on high-quality, glossy stock, and the covers are in stiffer card stock, also glossy. As with other titles in this series, the production quality is quite high. There are not really any distinct “chapters” in the book, but each new section is labeled in bold type. The author dives right in on page one to explain the history behind the idea of the Il-2, and its subsequent creation. Having established that, he then discusses early production, modifications, and further production. The addition of a second crewman (rear gunner) is covered in depth, as this was a major change to the initial version of the aircraft. Some brief combat history is… more |
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Luftwaffe EaglePublished:
“Luftwaffe Eagle” is a first-hand account of one pilot’s experiences during World War II. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I offered to review this book for IPMS, but I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised! This book was first published in 2007, in the author’s native language of German. It was translated into English by John Weal in 2008, and first published in English in 2009 (in hardcover). This release is the first time it has been available in softcover format. This combination of the author’s style of writing and the superb (and fluid) translation make this book a pleasure to read. The author begins with a brief summary of his childhood years, then dives directly into his Luftwaffe training and subsequent postings. Each section is filled with personal… more |
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P-51D Mustang American AcesPublished:
While this is the 4th volume in MMP’s “Spotlight On” series, it is the first one I have had the pleasure of seeing in person. This book (and I imagine the others in the series) consists primarily of large, full-page color profiles of the subject matter. Upon opening the book, one is immediately presented with an introductory page briefly discussing the P-51D’s development (not the P-51 in general, just the “D” model, so the author assumes some general knowledge of the aircraft type). This is immediately followed by over 40 pages of color profiles. At the end of the book is a page showing the general finish of the P-51, and a 2-page section listing P-51 Aces. The majority of the pages are of color side-view profiles, with occasional top- and bottom-views (also in color)… more |
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Avro LancasterPublished:
This is the 21st volume in Osprey’s “Air Vanguard” series. A quick look at Osprey’s website shows this is scheduled for an August, 2015 publication date. The “Air Vanguard” series seems geared to providing an overall view of the subject aircraft’s development, technical specifications, and operational history. All other titles in this series have been available in various “eReader” formats (at a slightly lower price than the print version), so I imagine upon release that this will be the case for this volume. A glance at the publishing information in the book shows different ISBN numbers for the PDF/EPub editions, seeming to confirm this fact. The book is broken down into 4 basic sections: Design and Development, Technical Specifications, Mark by Mark, and Operational… more |
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Focke Wulf Ta 152 Landing Gear (ZM)Published:
A newer addition to Scale Aircraft Conversions ever-expanding line of metal landing gear is this set for the Zoukei-Mura 1/48 scale Focke Wulf Ta 152. Like most of SAC’s sets, this is meant as a drop-fit replacement for the kit’s plastic landing gear. The set comprises of both main gear legs, the tail gear (with molded-in wheel/tire), and the accompanying actuators. All are made out of sturdy, white metal. I could see no appreciable difference in the detail between the kit items and those in this set. They look to be almost exactly the same. All the brake lines and other details present on SAC’s gear are there on the original kit items as well. The kit and SAC both include the tail wheel molded onto its strut, something I am not a fan of. I will say the SAC… more |
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Il-2 ShturmovikPublished:
MMP has just released what they are referring to as “an illustrated technical history” of the Il-2 Shturmovik. Like all other MMP publications, this book is published with high production values. Solid, hard covers enclose over 200 pages printed on heavy, matt-finished stock. The first 66 pages of this book describe the development and operational use of the Il-2, beginning with the initial concept of developing a heavily armed (and armored) ground attack aircraft. Various chapters describe the prototype, initial production, deployment, and improvements (such as adding a gunner and modifying the wing design). These are presented in a chronological fashion and make it quite easy to follow the evolution of the aircraft as combat experience dictated necessary changes. … more |
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MiG-3 (Early) Gun Barrels and Pitot TubePublished:
QB 48-604 provides drop-fit replacements for Tumpeter’s MiG-3 (early) gun barrels and pitot tube. As with every QB resin accessory I have ever had the pleasure of using or reviewing, these are molded in very crisp dark gray resin. There is no flash, and the ends of the gun barrels as well as the pitot tube are nicely hollowed out. There are no instructions provided, but are not really necessary as these are direct replacements for existing kit pieces. Comparing the gun barrels to the kit pieces these are designed to replace, I noted a few differences. First of all, the kit provides 3 barrels of exactly the same length (in fact, they are all the same part number A8). The kit barrels also are essentially just small rods of plastic (with molded bands at either end), and… more |
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1969 Dodge Charger – Dukes of Hazzard General Lee – Snap KitPublished:
Although most of Round 2’s kits are re-issues of older models, this “Snap It” kit is an all new issue. As per Round 2’s website, “… parts molded in orange, tan, black, along with clear and chrome plated parts, modelers of any skill level can easily assemble a great looking replica with no paint or glue required!” This is the second review written by my 9-year old son William, an IPMS Junior member. William primarily builds aircraft like his dad, but after doing one snap together car model review, he was anxious to do a second. As this is recommended for ages 8 and up, we thought it would be good to see how this model rates with its intended audience. The rest of the review will be in his words. “When I opened this box, the model parts looked high quality, in particular… more |