Roger Carrano
Reviews By Author
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F/A-18E Interior SetPublished:
Eduard has once again followed suit and comes right behind manufactures when a new kit is developed and released for sale. This time Eduard has come up with the full interior for the F/A-18E from Trumpeter. This package comes with enhancements for the instrument panel and side consoles in full color which have been copied to the exact specifications that can be allowed. The details of these PE parts just cannot be possibly duplicated by hand and, because of the perfect colors, it makes for the best possible instrument panel that can be replicated. This is also followed through with the side panels, small switches, and tiny dials which are located on the panels. Since all panels are self adhesive, gluing is not necessary unless handled improperly. Even so, if that should happen, a… more |
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3.7cm Flak 12-16 Round Metal Storage BinsPublished:
Griffon Model has released another universal product for modelers of armor. This time they have come out with a round-cornered 3.7cm ammo storage bin for German 3.7cm Flak. Two types of bins can be made. One has holes for the shell to fit thru on top and with half moon cutouts at the other end so that the bottom of the shell can rest on it and keep it from moving. The other type has bars which fit across to hold the shells in place. Included in this “Universal” kit are one large photo etched fret, decals, and a small length of brass wire with four ABS rods. These cases can also be built with working hinges if you choose. I found the instructions to be very confusing due to the fact that there are a few options to decide from and the parts for the bottom of the case are… more |
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6-Round 3.7cm Flak Ammo ClipsPublished:
Griffon Model has recently come out with a new product which is designed to be used with any kit. It is a six-round 3.7cm clip for the Flak 36/37 German anti-aircraft gun. Included are four frets of photo etched parts taped to a piece of black cardboard with an included instruction sheet and a few color photos to show what the finished product should look like. Each ammo clip is made up of seven pieces: six clips and the attaching tray. There are ten of these trays with extra clips included just in case of loss or breakage. Assembly is straightforward and relatively easy. Instructions are clear and concise and show how each clip is folded into a “U” shape and then the sides are rounded to conform and clasp the shell. These completed trays can be attached together or left apart… more |
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PE for AFV Club's NashornPublished:
Eduard has recently come out with a few new items for the Nashorn by AFV Club. This particular photo etch kit is plainly called “Nashorn” and it incorporates interior and exterior items to enhance the already fine kit which AFV Club released. The stock number for the AFV kit is AF35164. This PE fret will enhance parts such as the floor, hinges on some of the stowage boxes, handles on the hatches, antenna mounts, small hold-down clamps for accessories and tools which are stowed on the outside of the vehicle, and newly formed boxes for tool storage. These features are all designed and made with the typical Eduard engineering found in all of their products which most definitely adds the finishing touch. All of the items included in this kit add subtle improvements, but when… more |
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German Field Military Police SetPublished:
Tamiya has just released a new set of figures of German Military Police that could be used to enhance any diorama setting, or even a stand alone with a building or street scene. The kit consists of two sprues, one containing the figures and the other containing the accessories which are fairly well detailed. Also included in this kit is a very good likeness of a German Shepherd dog which will add to the realism of the figures. Assembly is very straightforward with the instructions printed on the back of the box, which not only calls out the part number but also the colors for painting. Predictably, these color references are given to match Tamiya paints. Also included on the sides of the box and the inside flaps is pertinent information which will aid in the fine detailing of… more |
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P-39D Yellow Wings Decal SetPublished:
Yellow-Wings Decals have again filled another gap with this release of the U.S.A.A.C. P-39D Headquarters Aircraft 31st, Pursuit Group, Carolina Maneuvers of 1941. According to Yellow-Wings the 31st Pursuit Group were made up of the 39th, 40th and the 41st Pursuit Squadrons. Even though each squadron had their own color markings: 39th Red, 40th Yellow and 41st White, it was the general practice to incorporate all of these colors and have them painted on the spinner or cowl which is printed on the decal sheet. Other markings on this sheet include our National Insignias, fuselage stripes and wing walk stripes. The 31st pursuit Group Icon and numbers are also included. Also contained in their package are drawings of the P-39D aircraft, which show the locations of the decals on the… more |
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Nashorn Radio SetPublished:
This newly released radio for the AFV CLUB Nashorn kit is a really nice item. Included in Eduard’s kit are two radios which sit in a bay, one on top of the other, which is positioned between the ammo case and the rear door. Also included in the kit is a small set of headphones which attach to a small box above the radios that allows the operator to listen silently. It’s a pretty neat setup and will look nice in the rear compartment along with other items and stowage for a real look. Even though one would think that it would be an easy build, be aware and don’t underestimate this build. One should have experience with photo etch products due to the real small pieces which have to be folded and carefully lined up and glued in place. Some type of folding tool will be necessary… more |
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Nashorn Ammo BoxesPublished:
Eduard has recently released a few Photo Etch items for the AFV Club Nashorn kit. This review encompasses the Nashorn Ammo Boxes. In general, Eduard has replaced the back, the top and the folding doors of these boxes, which when shown closed the hinges can be clearly seen. When the box is viewed open the doors are “collapsed” and folded on top of each other and sit on top of the box. I built it open to also show the enhancements inside and also when the model is finished I intend to show the boxes mostly loaded with ammo and with a slight weathering on the inside. If you look close you might notice that I am using the “salt method” for the weathering process. The kit allows you to make two boxes – one for each side. There are very small parts so patience and a steady… more |
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3.7cm Ammo Shell CasesPublished:
As most of you armor modelers know, Griffon Model has been making photo-etch accessories for just about every aspect of Military Modeling for quite a long time and is regarded as one of the leading manufacturers of photo etch and other aftermarket products. Their name is among the best in the business. This particular sample is the 3.7cm Ammo Shell Cases (spent shells) for the 3.7cm Flak in 1/35 scale. These are obviously made for adding that extra degree of detail that we modelers strive for to enhance our personal masterpieces. This package contains sixteen spent shell casings made of brass with that extra margin of detail which shows the engraved circles inherent to this specific type of shell. They are approximately 3/8” long and the machining is amazing. Needless… more |
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Israeli "Remove Before Flight" Flags in 1/32Published:
A while back, I purchased RBF (Remove Before Flight) flags for a Skyraider and they gave the aircraft that final detail which changed it from bland to grand. The RBF flags added a few more degrees of realism. Now, Eduard has come out with these RBF Flags for aircraft modeled after Israeli units, such as the F-16. Included in this set are 18 red exterior flags, 14 yellow interior flags, and 4 placards for ejection seats, all in Israeli writing. These are also colored and printed on both sides which enable them to be “posed” in any position, such as twisting them to make them appear to be blowing in the wind or just falling naturally in the cockpit. I highly recommend these RBF flags to anyone building an Israeli aircraft for that extra effect. As always, my… more |